Statement [made on behalf of the Security Council, at the 4362nd meeting, 31 Aug. 2001, in connection with the Council's consideration of the item entitled "Small arms"]

Notes with grave concern that the destabilizing accumulation of small arms has contributed to the intensity and duration of armed conflict; also expresses grave concern at the harmful impact of small arms on civilians in situations of armed conflict; welcomes recent global and regional initiatives and calls on Member States to implement the recommendations contained in them; underlines the importance of practical disarmament measures in averting armed conflicts; emphasizes the importance of the effective collection and control of small arms and of their storage and destruction; reiterates its call for the effective implementation of arms embargoes, imposed by the Council in its relevant resolutions; requests the Secretary-General to submit a report by Sept. 2002 containing specific recommendations on ways and means in which the Council may contribute to deal with the question of illicit trade in small arms.

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