"We welcome the results of the Weapons Collection Programme announced today by the National Co-ordination Body" in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, said representatives of the OSCE, European Union, NATO, and the United States in a December 16 joint statement. "The figures are promising and we are pleased that so many people with unregistered weapons, ammunition and explosives have taken this opportunity to hand them in."

The joint statement commended the National Coordination Body for conducting the weapons collection program "in a well organised and co-ordinated manner."

"Every item handed in is clear evidence that a mature and responsible attitude is beginning to prevail. The result of this programme is also an encouraging signal that ownership of this problem lies with the government and the people," it said.

Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe
Spillover Monitor Mission to Skopje
16 December 2003

INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY IN SKOPJE WELCOMES RESULTS OF WEAPONS COLLECTION PROGRAMME

SKOPJE, 16 December 2003 - The Skopje-based representatives of the OSCE, the EU, NATO and the U.S. welcomed the results of the Weapons Collection Programme announced today.

A joint statement by the Head of the OSCE Spillover Monitor Mission to Skopje, Ambassador Carlos Pais, the EU Special Representative Alexis Brouhns, the U.S. Ambassador Lawrence Butler and NATO Ambassador Nicolaas Biegman reads as follows:

"We welcome the results of the Weapons Collection Programme announced today by the National Co-ordination Body. The figures are promising and we are pleased that so many people with unregistered weapons, ammunition and explosives have taken this opportunity to hand them in.

The entire process was observed by a number of international observers who found that it was conducted in a smooth, efficient and co-operative manner.

This Government initiative was a challenging and complex programme and we commend the National Co-ordination Body for conducting this in a well organised and co-ordinated manner. The results achieved are testament to its success and we congratulate all involved.

The Weapons Collection Programme will continue until the destruction of all items collected. International observers will also witness this process.

Security is fundamental to implementation of the Ohrid Framework Agreement. The future of this country is one that is free of weapons and violence. The quantity of weapons and explosives handed in indicates increased confidence amongst the communities. It also represents a willingness to live in peaceful co-existence and that trust is returning to the communities. We commend those that took the initiative and handed over weapons, ammunition or explosives.

The presence of illegal weapons and explosives pose a real danger to the public. They can injure, maim and kill. This programme has gone some way to remove this threat.

Every item handed in is clear evidence that a mature and responsible attitude is beginning to prevail. The result of this programme is also an encouraging signal that ownership of this problem lies with the government and the people."