Malta among first signatories to Arms Trade Treaty

The Republic of Malta was yesterday among the first group of 67 initial signatories to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) during the signing ceremony at United Nations Headquarters in New York held on 3rd June 2013. 

Malta, along with the other EU Member States, had co-sponsored and voted in favour of the Resolution which adopted the text of the Treaty on 2nd April 2013 at the United Nations General Assembly.

The ATT is an instrument that helps the UN respond to international challenges to peace and security posed by the illicit trafficking of arms.

"The Arms Trade Treaty's signature process sends a powerful signal to the international community that the UN system is capable of delivering and meeting contemporary challenges affecting the security of all citizens of the world," the government said in a statement.

The landmark treaty establishes common international standards for the regulation of international trade in conventional arms and ammunition and seeks to curb the illicit trade in conventional arms, securing the weapons trade to a more responsible and transparent environment on a global scale.

"Malta will continue to work closely with its European Union partners towards ensuring the swift entry into force, universalization, and to support the effective implementation of the Treaty by all UN States," the government said.

The Treaty was signed by Malta's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York.