UN conference adopts firm stand against firearms

"Egypt is keen to push forward international efforts to stand firm against the illegal trade in small and light arms," said Egypt's ambassador to the UN Ahmed Abu Gheit.

"Intense contacts have been held over the past few days among delegations of countries and political groups to coordinate positions before the conference," added Ahmed Abul Gheit.

He was referring to a 10-day UN conference starting Monday in New York on small and light arms.

Abul Gheit said that the forum was expected to unveil a world action plan to block the illegal trade in these arms.

"These arms fuel disputes and threaten security of several countries particularly in Africa,"said Abul Gheit.

He elaborated that the envisaged plan of action was the product of negotiations conducted over the past 18 months.

The plan incorporates a host of national, regional and international measures to support anti-firearms traffic, added the diplomat.

"These measures include enhancing regional and international cooperation among police, customs and border units to address the proliferation and illegal trade in small and light arms", said Abul Gheit.