BXA WELCOMES WASSENAAR ARRANGEMENT BEST PRACTICES INITIATIVE

BXA WELCOMES WASSENAAR ARRANGEMENT BEST PRACTICES INITIATIVE
   The U.S. Commerce Department’ Bureau of Export Administration said it welcomes the adoption of a “best practices” statement by the Wassenaar Arrangement countries to include export controls for weapons of mass destruction.
   The Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls for Conventional Arms and Dual-use Goods and Technologies was established in July 1996. The 33
countries participating in the arrangement focus on issues concerning the proliferation of conventional arms and dual-use technologies. The best practices initiative, which includes a list of 18 non-binding enforcement measures, was developed by Commerce officials and other members of Wassenaar Arrangement.
   “The Wassenaar countries are sending a message that export enforcement is a key component of international efforts to keep weapons of mass destruction out of the hands of terrorists and countries of concern,” said William A. Reinsch, undersecretary of Commerce’s Export Administration.
   “The adoption of the ‘best practices’ demonstrates that other countries share the U.S. view that an effective control system requires first-rate export enforcement capabilities,” said F. Amanda DeBusk, Commerce assistant secretary for export enforcement.