Security Council arms embargo should be viewed, implemented accurately: Chinese envoy

The UN Security Council's arms embargo measures should be viewed and implemented accurately to prevent such measures from impeding capacity-building in the countries concerned, said a Chinese envoy on Friday.

The fact that Haitian gangs are rampant is inextricably linked to the illicit inflows of foreign weapons, and all countries, especially those in the region, should effectively implement the Security Council's arms embargo on the Haitian gangs, said Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations.

At the same time, the council's arms embargo measures are meant to help the countries concerned restore national stability and normal social order, and should not impede capacity-building efforts in the countries concerned, said Zhang.

The Security Council should make targeted adjustments to its arms embargo measures in light of the developments on the ground so as to help the countries concerned bolster their security capacity, he told a Security Council open debate on the impact of small arms and light weapons on peace and security.

The issue of small arms and light weapons bears on peace and development, he noted. 

The problem of illicit trafficking, misuse, and irresponsible transfer of small arms and light weapons and their ammunition remains severe. It is intertwined with armed conflict, terrorism, and transnational organized crime, posing serious threats to international peace and security, said Zhang.

States should assume the primary responsibility for the management, development, use, and transfer of small arms and light weapons. States should improve relevant laws and regulations, and enhance law enforcement and control, he said.

"In particular, major arms-exporting countries should set a good example by strictly managing their military equipment exports and should stop interfering in the internal affairs of other countries through the arms trade, stop pouring oil on the flames in conflict-affected areas, and stop transferring arms to non-state actors," he said.

The lax gun control and severe gun violence problems of a certain developed country have not only jeopardized its own social stability and the safety and security of its own people, but have also caused growing spillover effects, creating major troubles for other countries, noted Zhang. 

This country needs to seriously reflect on this issue and change its course of action, he said.

(With input from Xinhua)

(Cover: File photo of Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations. /Xinhua)