Implementation and the challenges to implementation of the UN Resolution 1540 (2004) on the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) will be discussed by representatives of South East Asian countries, UN offices and international organisations in a four-day workshop in Ha Noi.
The workshop is held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UN's Office for Disarmament Affairs from 28 September to October 1, 2010.
It is aimed at enhancing national capabilities for the management of export-control processes at a practical level, and improving information and experience-sharing between participating countries. The forum is also expected to facilitate technical assistance related to the resolution's implementation.
The event is the seventh regional workshop organised by the Office for Disarmament Affairs on the implementation of Resolution 1540 since 2008.
Also up for discussion are trade security, a national mechanism to control export and transit, national action plans, capacity building and co-operation in implementing the resolution among other things.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son said at the meeting that Viet Nam and other South East Asian countries had taken seriously the implementation of the resolution regulations. In fact, during its two years as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, Viet Nam actively participated in the activities of the 1540 Committee.
Aside from requiring all UN member states to take and enforce effective measures against the proliferation of WMD, the resolution obliges all states to refrain from providing any form of support to non-state actors that attempt to develop, acquire, manufacture, possess, transport, transfer or use nuclear, chemical or biological weapons and their means of delivery. —VNS