Draft International Code of Conduct Against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (ICOC)

Answer: We support this effort.

The United States was one of 78 countries that participated in the meeting on universalization of the draft International Code of Conduct Against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (ICOC) that was hosted by France in Paris on February 7-8, 2002. We are pleased that so many countries attended the meeting and provided views on this important issue. We look forward to hearing from France on its plans for taking the process forward.

The draft International Code of Conduct Against Ballistic Missile Proliferation is intended to create a widely-subscribed international predisposition against ballistic missile proliferation. It consists of a set of broad principles, general commitments, and modest building measures. It is intended to be a voluntary political commitment, not a treaty, and will be open to all countries. The draft Code also is intended to supplement, not supplant, the important work of the Missile Technology Control Regime.

The United States was one of the initiators of the draft International Code of Conduct Against Missile Proliferation, along with France and the other Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) countries. The Missile Technology Control Regime Partners began developing the draft Code in 1999. At the September 2001 Ottawa Missile Technology Control Regime Plenary, they concluded the work on the Missile Technology Control Regime per se on the draft Code. Since then, France has taken a leading role in developing the draft Code.

Like the other countries that attended the Paris meeting, the United States welcomes the European Union’s offer to hold a follow-up meeting on the draft Code. However, we await word from France on its plans for next steps on the draft Code.