2001/850/CFSP: Council Decision of 29 November 2001 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 Albania

Council Decision
of 29 November 2001
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 Albania
(2001/850/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 weapons(1), and in particular Article 6 thereof, in conjunction with Article 23(2) of the Treaty on European Union,
Whereas:
(1) In Common Position 97/357/CFSP(2) the European Union expressed its intention to help Albania to promote the democratic process, the return to political stability and internal security.
(2) 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 acutely the case in Albania.
(3) In pursuing the objectives set out in Article 1 of Joint Action 1999/34/CFSP, the European Union envisages operating within the relevant international fora to promote confidence-building measures and incentives to encourage the voluntary surrender of surplus or illegally held small arms, as well as local development projects and other economic and social incentives.
(4) The Small Arms and Light Weapons Control Programme in Albania established under the United Nations Development Programe (UNDP) is intended to convince the population to turn in its private weapons voluntarily, emphasising the importance of disarmament for stability and development, and informing the population of the laws in this field and of government policy in relation to the collection and control of small arms.
(5) The European Union considers that a financial contribution to the project would pursue the aims of influencing public opinion in favour of civilian disarmament and reducing the socio-economic and social impact of small arms and light weapons, as well as creating a stable and secure environment for sustainable human development.
(6) The European Union considers that this project covers matters relating to the supply of, and demand for, small arms and light weapons and is part of the follow-up to the Programme of Action to prevent, combat and eradicate the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects adopted by the United Nations Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in all its aspects (New York, 9 to 20 July 2001).
(7) The European Union therefore intends to provide financial assistance in accordance with Title II of Joint Action 1999/34/CFSP.
(8) The Commission has agreed to be entrusted with the implementation of this Decision,