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International Organizations

The Wassenaar Arrangement (WA)

The United States of America is an active participant in the Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls for Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies (WA). The WA, which has its secretariat in Vienna, Austria was established in 1996 to address post-Cold War security concerns. It is the first global multilateral regime that contributes to regional and international security and stability by promoting transparency and responsibility in transfers of conventional arms and sensitive dual-use goods and technologies. The goal is to prevent destabilizing accumulations of weapons and technologies in unsettled regions and to apply pressure to states whose behavior is a cause for serious concern.

At the 2001 Plenary the Initial Elements were amended for the first time to make clear Participating States' intentions to prevent terrorists from acquiring conventional arms and dual-use goods and technologies. These efforts are an integral part of the global fight against terrorism. At the 2002 Plenary detailed "Best Practices" guidelines and criteria for exports of small arms and light weapons - weapons of choice for terrorists - were adopted. The 2003 Plenary also approved a document entitled "Elements for Export Controls of Man-Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS)."
The U.S. Mission to International Organizations in Vienna is responsible for representing the U.S. government at the Wassenaar Arrangement.