Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy (Source: VNA)New York (VNA) - Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, head of the Permanent VietnamMission to the United Nations, attended the First Committee on Disarmament andInternational Security’s debate on conventional weapons within the framework ofthe 73rd United Nations General Assembly in New York on October 24.
Speaking on behalf of ASEAN member states,Ambassador Quy affirmed all illegal activities related to the production,transfer and circulation of conventional weapons harm collective securityefforts and the building of prosperous societies.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations(ASEAN) reaffirms its sovereign right over the ownership, production, exportand import of conventional arms and spare parts for national protection andsecurity purposes, he stated.
The diplomat appreciated the UN’s role andefforts, stressing the need to continue reforming the UN’s disarmament systemand intensifying regional and international cooperation.
He confirmed that ASEAN always tries itsbest to address conventional weapon-related issues through such mechanisms asthe ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Trans-national Crime and the ASEAN NationalPolice (ASEANAPOL).
With many countries in the region affectedby post-war bombs and mines, the ambassador welcomed activities of the ASEANRegional Mine Action Centre (ARMAC), and suggested countries and partnersmaintain support for ASEAN in the sphere.
At the debate, the UN said the trading ofconventional weapons has grown over the past 10 years. About 200,000 people,including many women and children, are victims of such weapons each year.
Participants proposed measures to preventthe illegal trading and use of conventional weapons, fight crimes andterrorism, stop possible conflicts and support affected victims.
The UN’s First Committee will continueholding meetings until November 9, during which it is expected to discuss andapprove various resolutions, including those on the non-proliferation anddisarmament of weapons of mass destruction, control of conventional weapons andstrengthening regional and international security, among others.-VNA
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