Secretary-General Disappointed at Inability of Conference on Arms Trade Treaty

 

to Agree on Text, but Says ‘Considerable Common Ground’ on Which to Build

 

The following statement was issued by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

I am disappointed that the Conference on the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) concluded its four-week-long session without agreement on a treaty text that would have set common standards to regulate the international trade in conventional arms.

The Conference's inability to conclude its work on this much-awaited arms trade treaty, despite years of effort of Member States and civil society from many countries, is a setback.

However, I am encouraged that this is not the end of the arms trade treaty, and that States have agreed to continue pursuing this noble goal.  There is already considerable common ground and States can build on the hard work that has been done during these negotiations.

I commend the President of the Conference, Ambassador Roberto Garcia Moritán of Argentina, for his persistence and skilful leadership of this complex process.

My commitment to the pursuit of a robust arms trade treaty is steadfast.  A strong treaty would rid the world of the appalling human cost of the poorly regulated international arms trade.  It would also enhance the ability of the United Nations to cope with the proliferation of arms.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record