Press Release (2004)132 4 October 2004

NATO VCC Seminar on the implementation of conventional arms control agreements From 6 until 8 October 2004, the NATO Verification Co-ordinating Committee (VCC) will host its annual Seminar on the implementation of conventional arms control agreements. The focus of the Seminar will be on the practical aspects of the on-going implementation of the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, which is considered to be a cornerstone of European security. Since the Treaty's entry into force in 1992 over 4.000 inspections have taken place under its inspection protocol. The 30 States Parties to the CFE Treaty, represented by high-level staff from the arms control and disarmament departments in the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defence will attend the first sessions of the Seminar. They will then be joined by representatives from all of the other EAPC countries to discuss items of common interest in the area of conventional arms control. Conducted under the auspices of the Euro Atlantic Partnership Council, the VCC Seminar takes place in Brussels, at NATO Headquarters and is the latest in a series of highly successful joint seminars and workshops for Allies and Partners. It provides an informal framework to openly discuss verification and implementation aspects, plan for joint multinational activities, define common training requirements and address issues of concern. The Seminar will also address practical aspects of other conventional arms control agreements such as the Open Skies Treaty, the Vienna Document 99 and the Dayton Peace Agreement. Guest speakers will include high level representatives from the OSCE and NATO countries. For further information, please contact the NATO Press and Media Service at tel: +32 (0)2 707 50 41.

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