Posted on 10/27/2006 9:46:54 AM PDT by kiriath_jearim
WASHINGTON, Oct. 26 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The member states of the United Nations today took a first step toward approving a treaty that could save hundreds of thousands of lives each year by controlling the global arms trade. Meeting in New York City today, the First Committee of the General Assembly voted to study the feasibility, scope and draft parameters for a comprehensive, legally binding agreement establishing common international standards for the import, export and transfer of conventional arms. The United States was the only country to vote no on the resolution.
"The world is awash with weapons, including an estimated 640 million firearms, or one gun for every ten people on the planet," said Joe Volk, executive secretary of the Friends Committee on National Legislation in a statement applauding the U.N. vote. "All too often, weapons fall into the wrong hands and are used against innocent people. Half a million people die each year as a result of the easy availability of small arms and light weapons."
Though almost all arms-exporting states, including the United States, have guidelines that are intended to control international arms transfers, many countries do not apply these guidelines fully or ensure they are respected. As a result, conventional weapons easily and frequently fall into the hands of violent militias and human rights abusers. Irresponsible arms transfers exacerbate violent conflicts, perpetuate poverty and underdevelopment, and contribute to countless violations of human rights and humanitarian law.
"Countries often give priority to profits in the lucrative weapons market over respect for human security," said Joe Volk. "The setting of global standards would ensure that all states follow the same rules when selling weapons."
The United Nations vote today represents an important first step. FCNL and other groups and individuals concerned with the proliferation and misuse of conventional weapons will continue to press governments to ensure that a strong treaty comes to fruition.
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The Friends Committee on National Legislation, the oldest registered religious lobby in Washington, is a non-partisan Quaker lobby in the public interest. FCNL works with a nationwide network of tens of thousands of people from every state in the U.S. to advocate for social and economic justice, peace, and good government. For more information: http://www.fcnl.org
"many countries do not apply these guidelines fully or ensure they are respected."
And even if the U.S. voted 'yes' on this treaty, it wouldn't make one bit of difference.
Except that the 'citizens' would be unarmed and the 'criminals' would have all the guns.
Sound's alot like the libs. Doesn't it?
Of course it does because to be a 'liberal' is to be a 'socialist'.
No difference what so ever.
The BBC newscast last night made a really big deal about the US being the only country to vote against this. I was really proud to see that big electronic "1" in the No column.
Bolton rocks!
Yup, that ought to stop North Korea and Iran in their tracks. Right.
Well at least now the idiots won't be able to say "Your crazy, the UN does not want to take your guns". We have on record now!
Can Kofi came and pick mine up in person?
Wait, wait, I thought Bush was a CFR globalist.
I am glad not to be one of the 9 potential victims.
Did you see this Yank?
That is hundreds of thousands of criminals' lives.
"one gun for every ten people on the planet"
christ...9 out of 10 people DON'T have guns? We need to get them some.
Cretins.
This looks like a nice target for when you go out on a gun range.
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