European Union leaders provisionally called today for a global and multilateral approach to curbing proliferation of ballistic missiles, according to a draft declaration to be agreed at an EU summit.
"As for the particular challenge posed by the proliferation of ballistic missiles, we consider that this commitment should be complemented by a global and multilateral approach", it said.
It said the EU should play a leading role in these efforts and vowed to forge a common position among the 15 member states on seeking a global code of conduct, which it said could lead in due time to the convening of an international conference.
"We stress the need to maintain strict enforcement of our national export controls and to reinforce the multilateral non-proliferation and export control regimes", the document said.
Earlier this week, at talks among NATO allies in Brussels, US President George Bush cited the dangers of missile proliferation in the post-Cold War world as justification for pressing ahead with a controversial anti-missile shield.