"The Obama administration has signed the first-ever treaty regulating the $70 billion global arms trade. The measure regulates the sale of conventional weaponry including tanks and guns in a bid to prevent acts of genocide or terrorism. It was approved earlier this year after the White House initially blocked it until after President Obama’s bid for re-election. The treaty has come under fierce objections from the National Rifle Association, which has claimed it will infringe on the right to bear arms. Adding his signature on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly, Secretary of State John Kerry addressed the gun lobby’s concerns. Secretary of State John Kerry: "This is about promoting international peace and global security. And this is about advancing important humanitarian goals. I also want to be clear about what this treaty is not about. This treaty will not diminish anyone’s freedom. In fact, the treaty recognizes the freedom of both individuals and states to obtain, possess and use arms for legitimate purposes. Make no mistake, we would never think about supporting a treaty that is inconsistent with the rights of Americans, the rights of American citizens to be able to exercise their guaranteed rights under our Constitution." The treaty faces a tough ratification vote in the Senate, where it will need two-thirds support for approval. With the United States and 17 other countries newly signing on, more than half of the United Nations’ member states are now parties to the treaty."
Posted on: Fri, 27 Sep 2013 02:48:49 +0000
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