11/12/2007 (Agence Europe) - In conclusions adopted on Monday 10 December, the Council of the EU welcomed the report by the United Nations Secretary General ahead of the conclusion of a treaty on the arms trade to establish international standards for the import, export and transfer of conventional weapons. The initiative is being backed by a growing number of countries. 97 countries, including the EU member states, have expressed their views on the overview of an overarching legally binding instrument. The Council is encouraging government expert groups appointed by the UN, which will start work in February 2008, to ensure progress is made between now and the 63rd meeting of the UN General Assembly. (A.B.)