Brussels, 29 Apr 2002

Press Advisory: Invitation to the Opening Ceremony of the Clearinghouse for Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, Belgrade 8 May 2002

The proliferation and illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons (SALW) in South East Europe continues to pose a threat to the consolidation of regional security and stability. In a comprehensive attempt to address the problem, the Stability Pact has developed a Regional Implementation Plan, which was approved by Stability Pact partners last October in Budapest (Working Table III on Security). The most significant feature of the Plan is the Regional Clearinghouse in Belgrade, operated under the auspices of UNDP.

18:00

Opening Ceremony

Venue: City Hall

Short introductions by: H.E. Mr. Goran Svilanovic, Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs

H.E. Mr Velimir Radojevic, Minister of Defence

Mr. Erhard Busek, Special Co-ordinator of the Stability Pact, Brussels

Mr. Kalman Mizsei, Assistant Administrator, UNDP New York

Representatives from the countries of South East Europe

Chair: Frank O’Donnell, United Nations Resident Co-ordinator

Followed by Reception, with

Exhibition of Small Arms Reduction Projects

& Destruction Ceremony

Venue: City Hall

The task of the Clearinghouse is to help SEE governments and non-governmental organisations develop projects aimed at strengthening capabilities to stem the illicit flow of SALW throughout the region. It will also provide an opportunity and facility for regional information sharing in this challenging area. The Clearinghouse will place particular emphasis on the development of regional projects to address the reality of cross-border flows of weapons and ammunition.