Brussels, 15/12/2004 (Agence Europe) - On Monday the General Affairs Council took note of a report on the progress achieved over the last six months in the implementation of the European Strategy against the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD), adopted by the European Council in December 2003. This report examines the initiatives taken or suggested in the continued implementation of the European strategy. At the same time, the Council also took note of an indicative list of priorities in implementing this strategy and approved a series of recommendations for improving systems for inspecting EU exports.
Initiatives taken or suggested in the report include: diplomatic action to promote the strengthening of multilateral agreements in this area; the reinforcement of the role of the United Nations; adoption of measures to prevent civilian programmes being used for military ends; financial resources to help implement projects by international organisations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); improving practices and policies in weapon export inspections; improving Community cooperation programmes with third countries based on aid for disarmament.
In order to strengthen the system for inspecting EU weapons exports, the Council acknowledges that more transparency is needed and is examining the possibility of providing inspections of transit and transport and improving the exchange of information and interaction with exporters.