Introductory text
United Kingdom
Council Decision
of 15 November 1999
implementing Joint Action 1999/34/CFSP with a view to a European Union contribution to combating the destabilising accumulation and spread of small arms and light weapons in Cambodia
(1999/730/CFSP)
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to Joint Action 1999/34/CFSP of 17 December 1998 on the European Union's contribution to combating the destabilising accumulation and spread of small arms and light weaponsf1, and in particular Article 6, in conjunction with Article 23(2) of the Treaty on European Union,
Whereas:
(1)
The excessive and uncontrolled accumulation and spread of small arms and light weapons poses a threat to peace and security and reduces the prospects for sustainable development; whereas this is acutely the case in Cambodia;
(2)
In pursuing the objectives set out in Article 1 of Joint Action 1999/34/CFSP, the European Union envisages operating within the relevant international forums to promote confidence-building measures and incentives to encourage the voluntary surrender of surplus or illegally-held small arms, the demobilisation of combatants and their subsequent rehabilitation and reintegration; whereas this Decision is intended to implement Joint Action 1999/34/CFSP;
(3)
The European Union considers that a financial contribution and technical assistance would pursue the aims of influencing public opinion in favour of civilian disarmament, consolidating and developing civil society involvement in the process of weapons collection and disposal of arms collected and/or rendered surplus through demobilisation;
(4)
The European Union intends therefore to offer financial support and technical assistance in accordance with Title II of Joint Action 1999/34/CFSP,
HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: