SICA and USG Work to Combat Illicit Trafficking in Arms

July 2009

Participants of the Workshop to Combat Illicit Trafficking in Arms in Central America - July 13-14, 2009

July 13 - 14, the Central American Integration System (SICA) and the United States Department of State hosted a "Workshop to Combat Illicit Trafficking in Arms in Central America" at the Radisson Fort George and Marina in Belize City.

The meeting was intended for law enforcement officials, and borders and customs authorities from all Central American states. The workshopaimed to promote more active coordination and participation by national, regional, and international actors working in the field.

The Secretary General of SICA and the U.S. Department of State organized this workshop, while the U.S. Government's Merida Initiative provided funding. Other organizations whichattended include the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms; members of the U.S. Southern Command; U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Royal Canadian Mounted Police; the Organization of American States; and the UN Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean.