24.7.2003 Official Journal of the European Union L 185/59 (Acts adopted pursuant to Title V of the Treaty on European Union) COUNCIL DECISION 2003/543/CESP of 21 July 2003 concerning the implementation of Joint Action 2002/589/CFSP with a view to a European Union contribution to combating the destabilising accumulation and spread of small arms and light weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to Joint Action 2002/589/CFSP of 12 July 2002 on the European Union's contribution to combating the desta- bilising accumulation and spread of small arms and light weapons ('), and in particular Article 6 thereof, in conjunction with the second indent of Article 23(2) of the Treaty on European Union, Whereas: ) ) 0 With Council Decision 2001/200/CFSP (%), the European Union decided to contribute to combating the uncon- trolled accumulation and spread of small arms and light weapons, which posed a threat to peace and security and reduced the prospects for sustainable development, inter alia in Latin America and the Caribbean. The contri- bution of the European Union under that Decision to the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarma- ment and Development in Latin America and the Carib- bean (UN-LIREC) in Lima, acting on behalf of the United Nations Department for Disarmament Affairs (DDA), has been effective in ensuring preparatory activities and initial implementation of certain elements in the field of combating the uncontrolled accumulation and spread of small arms and light weapons in the region. In order to continue these activities, UN-LIREC and DDA have appealed for follow-up assistance from the European Union. In pursuing the objectives set out in Article 1 of Joint Action 2002/589/CFSP, the European Union envisages operating within the relevant international forums and in a regional context as appropriate to render assistance through international organisations, programmes and agencies as well as regional arrangements. UN-LiREC, acting on behalf of DDA, pursues, in its func- tion as a Regional Clearing-House on Firearms, Ammu- nition and explosives in Latin America and the Carib- bean, the overall objective to provide States in the region L 191, 19.7.2002, p. 1. L 72, 14.3.2001, p. 1. with assistance in implementing regional agreements and regulations and developing a coordinated approach to prevent firearms trafficking and improve capabilities and capacities in the region through a number of specific projects. The objectives of the different UN-LIREC projects are to train the trainers in law enforcement academies, develop equipment in order to improve the control of the legal firearms trade, prevent and combat illicit trafficking of firearms in Latin America and the Caribbean, facilitate destruction of surplus weapons and improvements of stockpile management, as well as to support parliamen- tarians in improving legislation related to firearms, ammunition and explosives. Activities under these projects will be undertaken by UN-LiREC and the Organisation of American States in cooperation with other institutions. The Commission has agreed to be entrusted with the implementation of this Decision. The European Union therefore intends to offer continued financial assistance to the activities of UN-LIREC in accordance with Title I of Joint Action 2002/589/CFSP. The Commission will ensure an adequate visibility of the contribution of the European Union to the projects, including by appropriate measures taken by UN-LIREC, HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: 1. Atrticle 1 The European Union shall contribute to combating the destabilising accumulation and spread of small arms and light weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean through continued support to the activities planned by UN-LiREC.