Statement [made on behalf of the Security Council, at the 4639th meeting, 31 Oct. 2002, in connection with the Council's consideration of the item entitled "Small arms"]

Encourages all Member States to continue to take all measures to fully implement recommendations contained in the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects; reaffirms the inherent right of individual and collective self-defence in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter; arms-exporting countries are encouraged to exercise highest degree of responsibility in small arms and light weapons transactions; stresses the need for cooperation and sharing of information; recognizes important role of arms embargoes; recognizes that primary responsibility for implementation of sanction measures rests with the States, reiterates its call for effective implementation of arms embargoes imposed by the Council in its relevant resolutions.

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