EXHIBITIONS AND CONFERENCES
23 May 08. International Conference on small arms and light weapons. On May 28-30, 2008, NATO will host the “Synergy Conference for Regional Organizations on the Implementation of the UN Programme of Action” at its Headquarters in Brussels. Co-sponsored by the OSCE and supported by the UN, the conference is held to facilitate debate on the global threat posed by the proliferation, illicit trade and use of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) The overall goal of international community is to generate a harmonized response to the threat within the UN framework. Experts from regional, international and non-govermental organizations will meet to exchange views on how to further cooperation and promote best practices between regional organizations on implemeting the UN Programme of Action (PoA). The event is taking place in the run-up to and in support of the Biannual Meeting of States on the UN PoA to prevent, combat and eradicate the illicit trade in SALW scheduled to take place on July 14-18, in New York.
For further information, please contact Mr. Michael Miggins, Head, Arms Control and Coordination Section, Political Affairs and Security Policy Division, NATO Headquarters, Tel. + 32 2 707 58 06.
May 08. Bosnia-Herzegovina: Commemorative Service. A commemorative service was held (22 May 08) at the National Memorial Arboretum near Lichfield, Staffordshire. The service marked the conclusion of a 15-year Campaign (1992 to 2007) during which over 100,000 members of the Armed Forces were deployed and in which 55 lost their lives.
Comment: A small number of UK Service personnel remain in Bosnia attached to EUFOR, NATO and the Peace Support Operations Training Centre in Sarajevo. The size of the EU force in Bosnia (EUFOR ALTHEA) had reduced to about 2,200 by 29 Feb 08. May 08. (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 0821, 26 May 08)
21 May 08. MoD announces intent to commemorate the 90th Anniversary of the First World War Armistice. Veterans Minister Derek Twigg has announced that a commemorative service and wreath laying will be held this year to mark the 90th
Anniversary of the end of the First World War. Derek Twigg, Veterans Minister, said, “I am delighted to announce our intention to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the end of the First World War. I believe there is national desire to mark this important date in our history and I fully support this”. Details of the event are yet to be finalised, however it is expected to be centred around a service at the Cenotaph at 11.00 on Tuesday 11 November 2008. The MoD will announce further details in the coming months.