Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
Foreign Minister Alfred Nzo on 19980925 called for an international conference on small arms and light weapons, under the auspices of the United Nations, to be held after 1999.
Speaking at an Information Briefing co-hosted by the Foreign Ministers of Canada and Norway at the United Nations in New York, Minister Nzo emphasised the importance of formulating a holistic strategy when addressing the problems of uncontrolled proliferation of small arms and light weapons. He added that while the focus has traditionally been on conventional arms and weapons of mass destruction, the devastation wrought by the proliferation of small arms can no longer be ignored.
Minister Nzo added that the problem must be viewed from an inclusive perspective of arms control and disarmament, post conflict prevention and socio-economic development.
In emphasising the leading role which the United Nations has played on this issue, Minister Nzo proposed that an international conference be held after 1999, to enable governments and regional organisations to prepare fully by sharing experiences and facilitating dialogue. This conference should formulate an action plan to combat the proliferation of these weapons, based on the experiences of indigenous regional approaches.
Minister Nzo pointed out that the similarities of the problem of anti-personnel mines and small arms and light weapons are unfortunately only relevant to the victims of these weapons. The methods of effectively dealing with these problems are vastly different. The focus of international action on small arms and light weapons should be on the curtailment of illicit transfer, controlling legal transfer and addressing the demand for these weapons, such as socio-economic underdevelopment. "This can only be achieved by firm political commitment and support of all governments around the world", Minister Nzo said.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRETORIA 27 SEPTEMBER 1998