Ukrainian Small Arms Destruction Highlighted in NATO Partnership for Peace Trust Fund Workshop

On Feb 22-23, over 80 participants from 43 nations and other international organizations participated in a workshop on the NATO Partnership for Peace Trust Fund, co-hosted by the U.S. Department of State and the NATO Political Affairs and Security Policy Division. A highlight of the conference was a case-study of a $7 million United States-led project in Ukraine. This project - generously supported by the European Union and 16 other nations - successfully destroyed 1.5 million excess small arms and light weapons and 133,000 tons of surplus munitions - the largest arms destruction project in history. The case study also mentioned that the United States will contribute an additional $2 million to help destroy larger-caliber weapons and that Ukraine has agreed to destroy 2,000 more of its MANPADS.

The workshop also gave participants the opportunity to discuss best practices for Trust Fund projects ranging from retraining former military personnel to the safe destruction of surplus munitions. Workshop participants also received an overview of the Trust Fund process and specific requirements for all states participating in projects.

The NATO Partnership for Peace Trust Fund was established in 1999. Trust Fund projects, funded entirely through voluntary contributions, provide practical support for defense reform. The projects focus primarily on the destruction of excess and aging stockpiles of landmines, munitions, small arms and light weapons, and the retraining of military personnel no longer required as states reduce the size of their armed forces.

For additional information visit:
www.nato.int/pfp/trust-fund.htm
www.state.gov/t/pm/wra