Written Question 386 and reply of the Council

On 8 June 1998, in response to a Franco-British initiative, the EU Council adopted a "code of conduct" on the trading and export of conventional weapons which represented a major step forward.

The NGOs are campaigning for the United Nations to adopt an international treaty on arms trading in 2006. The aim of such an instrument would be to lay down strict and binding standards governing armaments trading and deliveries, for the illegal trafficking in these goods has proliferated, inflaming conflicts in which civilians are the first victims.

The signatory states to the modified Brussels Treaty are bound to pursue a policy of strengthening peace and security and encouraging close cooperation with other European organisations.

What initiatives do the WEU Council and the member states intend to take with a view to encouraging the adoption by the United Nations of such a treaty on arms trading and exports?

The Council thanks the Honourable Parliamentarian for his question and wishes to remind the Assembly that since the early nineties subjects pertaining to arms control have been dealt with mainly in other fora. The issue of the adoption by the United Nations of a treaty on arms trading and exports has not been placed on the Council agenda and it is not intended to consider it in the near future.