Introductory text
United Kingdom
Council Decision 2004/833/CFSP
of 2 December 2004
implementing Joint Action 2002/589/CFSP with a view to a European Union contribution to ECOWAS in the framework of the Moratorium on Small Arms and Light Weapons
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to Council Joint Action 2002/589/CFSP of 12 July 2002 on the European Union's contribution to combating the destabilising accumulation and spread of small arms and light weaponsf1, and in particular Article 3 thereof, 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; this is particularly the case in West Africa.
(2)
In pursuing the objectives set out in Article 1 of Joint Action 2002/589/CFSP, the European Union envisages operating within the relevant international forums to promote confidence-building measures. This Decision is accordingly intended to implement the said Joint Action.
(3)
The European Union considers that a financial contribution and technical assistance would help to consolidate the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) initiative concerning small arms and light weapons.
(4)
The European Union therefore intends to offer financial support and technical assistance to ECOWAS in accordance with Title II of Joint Action 2002/589/CFSP,
HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: