Statement by
Mr. Heidar Ali Balouji
First Counsellor
Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations
on behalf of Bolivia, Cuba, Egypt, Iran, Nicaragua, Syria and Venezuela
At the Seventh Biennial Meeting of States to Consider the Implementation of
the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (PoA)
On Agenda Item 9 “BMS 8 Agenda”
New York, 29 July 2021
In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful.
Mr. Chair,
I have the honor to speak on behalf of Bolivia, Cuba, Egypt, Nicaragua, Syria, Venezuela, and Iran.
The Program of Action to Prevent, Combat, and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Aspects" has invariably held our favor as a political, nonbinding and voluntary instrument. While it can aid in minimizing the harmful effects of illicit trade in small arms and light weapons (SALWs) on human life and the sustainable, social, and economic development of the UN Member States
Based on this principled position and from our perspective, the implementation and challenges thereof should be reviewed in the forthcoming Biennial Meetings of States in the hope that the outcome will effectively promote the implementation of the PoA as well as enable States to identify and trace the SALW in a timely and reliable manner while also reducing any possible challenge of the implementation.
It is noteworthy that the illicit trafficking in SALWs is linked to terrorism, money laundering, transnational organized crime and drug trafficking. In light of such widespread detrimental and dangerous linkages, other means of implementation, such as technical assistance, financial support, technology transfer and capacity building should be carefully secured in addition to the political will to implement the PoA. The need for increased international cooperation and assistance should be properly expressed in the BMS 8 Agenda, taking into account the various situations, capacities, and objectives of States and regions. Considering the divergent positions on new technologies, we should apply a careful and curious approach.
It is important to note that attempts or initiatives leading to further commitments or financial burdens do not seem realistic and should therefore be refrained.
It is vital to highlight that such endeavors or activities which result in additional responsibilities or financial obligations for the states do not appear to be feasible and should be avoided.
Similarly, introducing non-consensual issues, such as ammunition, synergy with non-globally accepted documents or referring to non-negotiated and non-accepted documents by the States, can exacerbate divisions among Member States without contributing to the PoA and ITI's advancement.
For these reasons, we are convinced that sustaining the long-standing practice of consensus decision-making, both on procedural and substantive issues, will ensure the decisions' well-recognized validity as well as full and comprehensive implementation by all members.
Thank You!