Tuesday, June 27 2006 10:47 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

United Nations: UN Secretary General Kofi Annan opened a two-week meet of member states to consider controlling illicit flow small weapons with a warning that such arms 'exacerbate conflicts, undermine rule of law and spawn a culture of violence'.

Noting progress since the world body adopted a 'Progress of Action' in 2001, Annan lamented that an estimated US$ one billion worth of these weapons are traded illicitly worldwide.

"The problem remains grave. In a world awash with small arms, a quarter of the estimated four billion dollars annual global gun trade is believed to be illicit," Annan said.

"Their continued prolife ration exacerbates conflict, sparks refugee flows, undermines the rule of law and spawns a culture of violence and impunity, The majority of people who die directly from conflicts worldwide can be traced to illicit small arms and light weapons," Annan said.

"Since the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons was adopted five years ago, nearly 140 countries have reported on its implementation, while a third of all states have made efforts to collect weapons from those not legally entitled to hold them," Annan said.

Other progress included increased cooperation among and within regions to stem the flow of illicit weapons across national borders.

"Clearly, much has been accomplished, and much is currently being done. Yet important challenges remain," he said, highlighting in particular the urgent need for member states to introduce or update legislation meeting standards outlined in the Programme of Action.