During the 27th and January 28th, 2013 in Santiago de Chile the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) has arrange the First Summit of Heads of State and Government, which represents 33 States from Latin America. During the conference leaders have managed to establish internal mechanisms for dialogue with other regions of the world, raising a strong and integrated voice. One of the issues which were discussed was the regulation of the arms trade. Some presidents have expressed some words about it and also the Declaration of Santiago mentions some important points related it.

Small Arms

By this statement CELAC members stressed the need to promote the full implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in all respect and to  support efforts to restrict illegal flow of such weapons and their ammunition, particularly in Latin America and Caribbean.

Arms Trade Treaty

They expressed their support for the conclusion of negotiations of a legally binding Arms Trade Treaty, to be adopted on the basis of Resolution 67/234 of the UNGA and fully consistent with the UN Charter, while taking into account the right of all States to produce, import and possess arms for their legitimate defense and security needs. Those negotiations will be concluded through the convening of a final United Nations Conference on the arms trade treaty from 18-28 March 2013.

Trust that the Arms Trade Treaty will contribute to preventing and combating the illicit arms trade, and help reduce the human cost of a poorly regulated international arms trade in conventional weapons, including small arms, light weapons and ammunition;

Landmines

Moreover, by document highlighted the importance of further progress in the early elimination of antipersonnel mines in accordance with the commitments made by the States Parties to the Ottawa Convention.

Moreover, the presidents stressed the importance of advancing in the promt elimination of antipersonnel mines according to the commitments undertaken by the States party to the Ottawa Convention.

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During the summit, the president of Costa Rica, Laura Chinchilla made a call to redouble efforts in the fight against drug trafficking and arms traffic.

President of Colombia Juan Manuel Santos in his speech mentioned the relationship between drug trafficking and the illegal arms traffic and he expressed interest on a tighter control on arms trade.

Links related:

• Discurso completo de Santos
• Discurso completo de Laura Chinchilla
• Santiago Declaration