Thank you, Mr. Chairman,

Israel’s long standing position regarding initiatives related to the control of conventional arms is that those have to maintain the balance between legitimate security considerations of states and the need to prevent unnecessary human suffering.

While the international community has been mostly seized with addressing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, it has to equally allocate more attention to the threats posed by the uncontrolled and irresponsible proliferation of conventional weapons, other military equipment and know-how.

For some time now the international community has been witnessing the humanitarian and grave effects of irresponsible transfers of conventional arms. Those transfers strengthen extremist groups; allow terrorist groups to nefariously gain political advantage by using those arms against civilians, in clear violation of any moral or legal norm. Clearly those arms transfers to terrorists undermine stability and contravene prospects for peace. 

Mr. Chairman

The Middle East is particularly vulnerable to the horrific impact of   arms transfers to terrorists. Arms continue to flow to terrorists groups, notwithstanding the recognition of the international community of the need to regulate arms trade.  The conflict that erupted in our region in the summer of 2006 has shown that MANPADS, UAVs, missiles of various types and ranges, as well as very short-range rockets, are not outside the reach of terrorists. The Hezbollah, which is supported first and foremost by Iran, has continued to heavily arm itself since 2006. 

In recent years, the Hezbollah increased the breadth and sophistication of its arsenals. The transfers of arms from Iran and Syria to Hezbollah have continued unabated, in contravention of UNSCR 1701. The smuggling of arms plays into the hands of those who wish to ignite conflict in the region, and has been facilitated by states. These efforts have been coupled by Hezbollah's attempts to further entrench itself in the Lebanese political scene.

The Hamas terror organization has closely followed Hezbollah's footsteps resulting in the conflict in Gaza earlier this year. The events of last January in Gaza have once again underlined the problem of terrorists making use of arms and the detrimental effect it has on peace and security. 

Mr. Chairman,

A principle priority of the international community must be the prevention of arms transfer to terrorists.  We must create a clear and comprehensive norm banning such transfers and adopt concrete measures to halt all such transfers.  

Curbing illicit arms proliferation must begin with a strong national commitment and determination. There can be no justification under any pretext for the transfer arms to terrorists. Nor can there be any rational for actively turning a blind eye to such transfers.

In June 2007, the delegation of Israel to the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva presented a working paper to promote further action on this issue. This working paper set out, and analyzed, existing documents, instruments and resolutions on the prevention of arms transfers to terrorists. The paper demonstrated the need for immediate, comprehensive and systematic action. This will require pragmatism - long enduring differences over issues such as definitions must be put aside. 

We must identify practical steps to move this issue forward.  This could, for example, include identification of national programs to increase awareness and build capacity, followed by enhanced cooperation and coordination between states - on multilateral, regional and bilateral levels. Israel is looking forward to  continue exploring with all delegations the best and practical ways address this issue.

Mr. Chairman,

The shortcomings of lax control over arms trade must be addressed first and foremost by the undertaking of stringent national measures.  Enacting national controls of this type should take precedence over global ventures. Israel, for its part, has long maintained a vigorous national export control system. Recently, Israel has reformed its export control system - including legislation and operational framework - to meet highest recognized international standards, as set by the NSG, AG, MTCR and Wassenaar International Suppliers Regimes.

On the 31st of December 2007, a new Export Control Law entered into force. This law regulates export control over the Munitions List of the Wassenaar Suppliers regime, the MTCR and beyond. In doing so Israel also gives high priority to the implementation of the UNSC arms embargo resolutions. It augments the Export
Control Order of January 2007 that regulates control over dual use items and
technologies based on the dual-use list of the Wassenaar arrangement.

Mr. Chairman,

Small arms and light weapons are the most accessible weapons of choice for terrorists and organized crime. The illicit  trade in SALW has severe destabilizing effects and humanitarian consequences and is a threat to international peace and security.  Disturbing statistics point out that growing number of people that are killed directly or indirectly due to armed violence. We must prioritize action to address this illicit trade.   The UN Programme of Action   to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its aspects (PoA) adopted in July 2001 is the cornerstone of international efforts to curb the uncontrolled and illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons.  Its adoption pushed states to finally take concrete action to prevent illicit transfers including through enhanced national controls. The PoA still faces challenges against the backdrop of continued illicit transfers of SALW to terrorists and criminal entities. This challenge is particularly germane to the situation in our region.

Israel welcomes the successful outcome of the Third Biennial Meeting of States on the PoA held in July 2008. This meeting proved the value of having focused and substantive discussions to realize the vision of the PoA.  Israel is looking forward to the upcoming BMS in 2010 and the subsequent meeting of Experts in 2011 as well as the Review Conference in 2012 and their successful outcome.  Israel stands ready to play its part and engage constructively with other member states to contribute to the success of these meetings. The successful outcomes of the POA meetings will be yet another step to prevent the transfer of arms to terrorists and reduce the human suffering caused by this phenomenon I take this opportunity to commend the BMS3 chair, Ambassador Cekuolis of Lithuania for guiding us to a restored confidence in the POA process. Israel also welcomes the appointment of Ambassador Pablo Macedo of Mexico and wish him success in guiding us through the next BMS Israel will continue to contribute to the rejuvenation of the POA.

Mr. Chairman,

This year, two rounds of the Open Ended Working Group on an Arms Trade Treaty (“ATT”) have taken place. It is Israel's view that the negotiations could eventually lead to the creation of a good instrument, provided that the following principals are accepted by all states negotiating:

• An ATT should opt for high standards on export control rather than settling for the lowest common denominator;
• The decisions on arms export must remain under the full responsibility and a sovereign consideration of states;
• An ATT should include measures in order to combat arms transfers to terrorists;

Mr. Chairman

This year has seen significant developments with respect to the creation of a norm on the use of cluster munitions. The Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons
(CCW) remains the most relevant and appropriate forum for addressing such weapons. As an important instrument of international humanitarian law it continues to strike the necessary balance between military and humanitarian considerations. Since its inception it has encompassed major users and producers of conventional weapons, including cluster munitions. In the past year the CCW conducted serious, in-depth negotiations in order to conclude a new protocol on cluster munitions. 

Following this year's negotiating sessions it is clear that more work is needed in order to finalize a serious, balanced and effective protocol that would address the humanitarian problems associated with irresponsible use of CM. But that will not be enough. All member states must show the necessary political will in order to enable the CCW GGE on CMs to reach a successful outcome. Israel trusts and hopes that those CCW member states, which were also involved in other negotiations on the issue, will continue to exert their best efforts in order to achieve an agreement in the CCW. 

Finally, Mr. Chairman, we believe that the time has come to look afresh at the traditional paradigm for addressing the threats caused by conventional arms proliferation. The international community must find new and innovative ways to address emerging threats and in particular the one posed by terrorists.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.