Australia to Participate in UN Experts Panel on Missiles

I welcome the first meeting of the United Nations experts panel on missiles to be convened in New York from 30 July - 3 August.  The decision to convene the panel at this time recognises the need for the international community to act decisively to combat the growing missile proliferation threat.  Missile proliferation destabilises global and regional security including in our region.

The UN's invitation to Australia to participate in the panel is clear recognition of the Government's active and constructive role in bilateral, regional and global efforts to address missile proliferation.  Australia believes the panel should focus its efforts on practical ways to counter the threat that the proliferation of missiles poses.

The panel will include 22 invited experts and will report to the UN Secretary General in 2002.  Australia's interests will be ably represented by David Reese, formerly Australia's Ambassador for Disarmament.

Australia is a member of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), the sole multilateral arrangement dealing with ballistic and cruise missiles and related technology.  Australia is a strong supporter of the MTCR's draft International Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation, which members hope will be open for signature in 2002.

Media inquiries:
Matt Francis (Ministerial) 02 6277 7500
Lyndall Sachs (Departmental) 02 6261 1555

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