Following is a text of the fact sheet, released June 25:

FACT SHEET
U.S. Department of State
Bureau of Political-Military Affairs
Washington, D.C.
June 25, 2001

Financial Assistance for the Destruction of Small Arms and Light Weapons

Surplus stocks of small arms and light weapons (SA/LW), often poorly secured and susceptible to theft or illegal transfer, are a major source of arms for terrorists, criminals, and violent insurgent groups. Large Cold War-era arms surpluses have been exported to zones of conflict around the world where they have exacerbated regional instability. In several regions, SA/LW collected after the cessation of hostilities have re-circulated to new conflicts or into the hands of criminals, where they threaten civilians, peacekeepers, and law enforcement officials, and complicate the work of rebuilding war-torn societies and regions. The United Nations, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Stability Pact for Southeastern Europe, and NATO actively promote efforts to reduce surplus and illicit SA/LW around the world.

Recognizing this problem, the U.S. offers financial and technical assistance in stockpile management and destruction of surplus and illegal arms to interested governments. These funds are administered by the State Department's Bureau of Political-Military Affairs. Given the relatively low cost of SA/LW destruction and the fact that it can generally be carried out using locally available infrastructure and personnel, the program offers an important means of attacking the worldwide glut of small arms and light weapons.

States may contact U.S. Embassies directly for more information or the program's point of contact in the State Department's Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, Mr. Ed Peartree, Tele: (202) 647-7774; email: peartreece@t.state.gov or Ms Jill Shaunfield, Tele: (202) 647-6865; email: ShaunfieldJR@t.state.gov.