Brussels, 03/06/2013 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 3 June, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton and Commissioner for Industry Antonio Tajani, welcomed the fact that the Arms Trade Treaty is now ready to be signed at the United Nations. They said that “this is a key landmark in international momentum for the Treaty”. To this end, the EU has finalised its internal procedures that will allow its member states to sign the treaty with regard to matters that fall within the EU's area of responsibility. Ashton and Tajani also stated: “We firmly believe that the Treaty, when effectively and widely implemented, will contribute towards more responsible and more transparent international arms transfers. It is now crucial to gather the maximum number of signatures and ratifications so that the Treaty can quickly enter into force. The EU intends to continue to play an active role in promoting the effective implementation of the Treaty”. The United Kingdom, France and Germany are expected to sign the Treaty as early as 3 June. This treaty was adopted by a large majority at the UN General Assembly on 2 April, following a refusal by the Arms Trade Treaty Conference on 28 March (see EUROPE 10818 and 10919). It will come into force 90 days after its ratification by the first 50 signatory parliaments. (CG and LC/transl.fl)