Brussels, 05/02/2014 (Agence Europe) - The European Parliament has given its approval to the ratification by the EU member states of the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty (ATT).
In a vote during the Parliament's plenary session, MEPs authorised the 28 EU member states to ratify the ATT - a treaty which sets binding international rules to eradicate the illicit trade in arms at global level and to prevent the circulation of arms in regions of conflict. In an accompanying resolution, MEPs underline that the success of the ATT will be measured by the participation and commitment of all the main arms exporters. MEPs also call for the widest possible interpretation of arrangements in the ATT, which has many shortcomings - such as the limited scope in terms of the definition of arms and criteria for authorising exports.
“The unregulated trade in arms has had a devastating effect on the peace, security and development of some of the world's most vulnerable countries. It is time for much greater transparency and responsibility in this sector. The Arms Trade Treaty is a hugely important first step”, said rapporteur David Martin (S&D, UK). Martin called on the member states to show their leadership in ratifying and implementing the ATT, and in encouraging more global actors in the arms trade to follow the EU's example.
The rapporteur for the accompanying resolution, Arnaud Danjean (EPP, France) reiterated that the EU law on governing the arms trade “goes beyond the Treaty (…) in particular in terms of exportations”. In their resolution, MEPs call on the member countries of the UN that have not yet ratified the ATT to do so as soon as possible. MEPs welcome the prohibition of any arms transfer if the supplying state has knowledge that the arms will be used for committing genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes. MEPs also call for the countries party to the ATT to show transparency and responsibility by giving annual reports on the arms trade, and the MEPs call for the national parliaments and civil society to be involved.
The ATT was adopted on 2 April 2013 by the UN General Assembly. Three states voted against it (North Korea, Iran and Syria) and 23 abstained (including China, India and Russia). There are currently 115 countries that have signed the ATT but only nine countries have ratified it. It must be ratified by 50 countries in order to enter into force. (EH/transl.fl)