Conventional Arms Transfers Us Efforts To Control The Availability Of Small Arms And Light Weapons

The widespread availability of small arms and light weapons in regions of conflict is a matter of concern among governments and nongovernmental and international organizations. Small arms include pistols, revolvers, and machine guns, while light weapons include such items as grenade launchers and man-portable missiles. Although it is impossible to estimate the quantity of small arms and light weapons in circulation worldwide, the international community believes that the availability of these relatively inexpensive weapons contributes to regional instability, facilitates crime, jeopardizes peacekeeping operations, and hinders economic development in conflict areas. U.S. government policy objectives on U.S. conventional arms transfers (that is, their sale, grant, lease, license, or loan through the Departments of State and Defense) are designed to meet legitimate defense needs of friends and allies, in support of U.S. national security and foreign policy interests. The policy objectives are also aimed at restraining arms transfers that may be destabilizing or threatening to regional peace and security. You expressed concern about U.S. small arms and light weapons transfers, both commercial and government to government, and steps being taken by the U.S. government to reduce their availability in areas of conflict.