wfn.org | Oscar Arias to call for curb on global arms sales at AFSC meeting

[George Conklin <gconklin@igc.apc.org>]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 				
October 27 1997

Contact:  Mustafa Malik (215) 241-7060, or Kate Green (215) 241-7054

ARIAS TO PUSH ARMS CURBS AT AFSC GATHERING

PHILADELPHIA -- Former Costa Rican President Oscar Arias Sanchez will call
for curbs on global arms sales in speech here Nov. 15 at a gathering of the
American Friends Service Committee (AFSC).

The event marks the 50th anniversary celebration of the Quakers receiving
the Nobel Peace Prize.  The Philadelphia-based AFSC was the co-recipient of
the Nobel with the British Friends Council, awarded for the Quakers'
humanitarian work during and after World Wars I and II.  The AFSC is now
engaged in peace, social justice and humanitarian programs in 23 countries
including 43 U.S. locations.

Arias, the 1987 Nobel Peace laureate, and the AFSC have joined 13 other
Nobel laureates to promote an international "Code of Conduct" on arms
sales.  The code would govern the transfer of conventional weapons,
munitions and military and dual-use technologies.  It would also require
that handguns be licensed and equipped with child safety locks.

AFSC board Chairman Donald Gann says he hopes that "Philadelphia, the
birthplace of our national freedom, will now be in the forefront of the
struggle for freedom from the tyranny of arms."

Arias, who is leading the Code of Conduct drive, has said just one dollar
out of every 20 spent yearly on arming the world would suffice to provide
"all of the world's population [with] basic social services such as
education, health care and clean water for 10 years."

The movement to halt arms transfers is spreading.  U.S. Rep. Cynthia
McKinney (D-Ga.) has introduced a bill to require a national arms code
similar to the one proposed by the Nobel laureates.  The European Union has
adopted eight principles to guide arms sales, though they are not yet
legally enforceable.

AFSC staff and volunteers are working with other groups to help create a
grassroots movement in the United States to oppose armed violence at the
global and local levels.

-30-

The American Friends Service Committee is a Quaker organization which
includes people of various faiths who are committed to social justice,
peace and humanitarian service.  Its work is based on the Quaker belief in
the worth of every person and faith in the power of love to overcome
violence and injustice. 

Mustafa Malik
Director of Media Relations
American Friends Service Committee
PH: 215/241-7060
FAX: 215/241-7275
E-MAIL: mmalik@afsc.org
http://www.afsc.org