Millionth Weapon Destruction Event in observance of UN Small Arms Destruction Day

[DELIVERED IN FRENCH]

Ambassador Roger A. Meece
July 9, 2007, 14h00
FARDC Central Logistics Base, Kinshasa

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would like to thank all those who could join us today for this historic occasion.  I would especially like to thank our host, General Mukalayi, and to congratulate the members of Mines Advisory Group, whose work and collaboration have helped make today’s observance possible.

Today we mark the world-wide destruction of more than one million small arms and light weapons through programs directly supported by the government of the United States.  The rifle to be destroyed here represents a larger initiative supported by the U.S., not just in Africa, but throughout the world.  You are participating in one of only five ceremonies taking place simultaneously -- two in Africa, and one each on the European, Asian, and American continents -- where the U.S. Department of State has active weapons destruction programs. 

The United States remains a world leader in support of these initiatives.  Since 2001, we have provided over $58 million to 25 countries to destroy more than one million small arms and light weapons.  Additional programs have eliminated more than 90 million pieces of ammunition and more than 21,000 man-portable air defense systems.  Our objective is to assist countries in safely eliminating excess and obsolete weapons which risk falling into the hands of terrorists or insurgents.  By destroying these arms, we prevent their use in future conflicts.

The United States government’s contribution to the destruction of weapons in the DRC has been considerable.  We are happy to have contributed to the success of MAG in this regard.  In 2006, we provided $1.1 million for MAG operations in the DRC with which they were able to destroy approximately 5,000 superfluous small arms and light weapons. This year, the Department of State intends to provide another $1 million to MAG for its work in this country. 

Today’s ceremony marks both an end and a beginning.  It is the end of this rifle which we are about to destroy.  It signals a desired end to the danger and conflict that has plagued the Congo, as well as other African countries, for so many years.  And it is part of a long and crucial process to reform this country’s military.  Let us hope, too, that it signals a beginning for greater peace and security, here in the DR Congo, and for the rest of the African continent.

Thank you.