</<P >Rakitje, Croatia, 07 May 2003.  On 07 May 2003, RACVIAC (The Regional Arms Control Verification and Implementation Assistance Centre) and SEESAC (South Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons) formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two organisations.  This event took place at the end of RACVIAC’s Seminar on “SALW – A year after implementation of the Stability Pact’s Plan”, which took place from 05 – 08 May 2003. 

The uncontrolled proliferation and illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons (SALW) is a serious problem in South Eastern Europe.  SALW proliferation has fuelled crime and insecurity, exacerbating conflict in the region and undermining post conflict peace building.  Problems related to SALW are likely to pose a serious constraint to economic and social development in South Eastern Europe. 

This MOU aims to establish effective co-operation between the two organisations, with a view to enhancing international efforts for reducing small arms and light weapons proliferation and potential for violence, including illegal trafficking of weapons.  This co-operation between RACVIAC and SEESAC is to provide a forum for regional dialogue and co-operation in the field of small arms and light weapons.  The fields of co-operation will be: 

q       Information exchange; 

q       Public awareness and promotion of dialogue; 

q       Regional seminars, workshops and training; 

q       Capacity building; and 

q       Regional harmonization of legislation including arms export legislation and implementation mechanisms.           

The MOU was signed by Brigadier General Johann PUCHER, Director RACVIAC and Adrian WILKINSON, Team Leader SEESAC.

The South Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SEESAC) was launched on 8 May 2002 in Belgrade.  SEESAC is a component of the Regional Implementation Plan on Combating the Proliferations of Small Arms and Light Weapons formulated and adopted by the Stability Pact in November 2001, with the aims of stopping the flow and availability of SALW in the region, consolidating achievements so far and supporting the socio-economic conditions for peace and development in South East Europe.