"Dire potential scenarios involving nuclear, chemical and biological weapons have dominated recent disarmament discussions," he told the Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters. "But a much more direct threat to many people around the world is the day-to-day violence of conflict fought with small weapons.

Those weapons, said Annan, are "supplied -- sometimes legally, sometimes illegally -- by often unscrupulous and predatory arms merchants.

"We must do more to fight this menace, too," said the UN chief. "Such efforts might involve ensuring jobs and opportunities for disarmed ex-combatants in countries emerging from conflict. They might include clamping down on the illicit exploitation of natural resources."

The 21-member advisory board meets twice a year. Members are chosen by the secretary general for expertise in various arms fields.

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