Belgrade - The Revised Stability Pact Regional Implementation Plan on Combating the proliferation and impact of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) adopted on 16th of May in Belgrade

On 16 May 2006 the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe Working Table III on Security Issues and the South Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of SALW (SEESAC) held the 7^th, Biannual, Regional Steering Group Meeting.  Following a fully consultative process with all stakeholders, the Revised (2006) version of the Stability Pact Regional Implementation Plan was formally adopted during the meeting. [Link to Revised SP Regional Implementation Plan]

The Stability Pact SALW Regional Implementation Plan on ‘Combating the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW)’ was initially agreed by the Stability Pact member states in November 2001, with the broad aims of reducing the flow and availability of SALW in the region and thereby supporting the socio-economic conditions for peace and development in South Eastern Europe. The initial plan provided concrete mechanisms for assisting countries’ implementation of commitments and involving those governments in priority setting and decision-making on region-wide efforts.  These mechanisms have been implemented through SEESAC at the regional level, and through a range of internationally supported initiatives within the individual countries through the UNDP and EU Small Arms Control Projects.

The basic objectives and principles set out in the Regional Implementation Plan will continue to apply in the future. However, the Revised (2006) plan also includes: recognition of the impact of the EU Western Balkans SALW Control Support Plan (2006 - 2007); recognition of the need for synergy and linkages between SALW Control interventions and Armed Violence Prevention Initiatives (AVPI); reference to recent regional SALW control agreements and mechanisms; focus on compliance with the EU SALW Strategy (2005). Moreover, the revised mandate for SEESAC will allow SEESAC to further continue with its activities and to use its experience outside SEE.