US Delays While 65 Other Countries Sign 1st Global Arms Trade Treaty

More than 65 countries have signed the first-ever treaty regulating the global arms trade. The United States, which is the world's top arms exporter, has delayed signing it after being accused of weakening the treaty before its approval last month.

Secretary of State John Kerry said Monday the United States would sign as soon as the official translation process is complete. The treaty would not control domestic weapons use but still faces a tough battle for ratification in the U.S. Senate. On Monday, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged countries that export arms to embrace the treaty.

Ban Ki-moon: "I particularly appeal to major arms trading countries to be first movers. The eyes of the world are watching arms traders, manufacturers and governments as never before. I call on all governments to bring national legislation and procedures in line with the requirements of the treaty so that it becomes a strong force for security and development for all."

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More than 65 countries have signed the first-ever treaty regulating the global arms trade. The United States, which is the world's top arms exporter, has delayed signing it after being accused of weakening the treaty before its approval last month.

Secretary of State John Kerry said Monday the United States would sign as soon as the official translation process is complete. The treaty would not control domestic weapons use but still faces a tough battle for ratification in the U.S. Senate. On Monday, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged countries that export arms to embrace the treaty.

Ban Ki-moon: "I particularly appeal to major arms trading countries to be first movers. The eyes of the world are watching arms traders, manufacturers and governments as never before. I call on all governments to bring national legislation and procedures in line with the requirements of the treaty so that it becomes a strong force for security and development for all."

More than 65 countries have signed the first-ever treaty regulating the global arms trade. The United States, which is the world's top arms exporter, has delayed signing it after being accused of weakening the treaty before its approval last month.

Secretary of State John Kerry said Monday the United States would sign as soon as the official translation process is complete. The treaty would not control domestic weapons use but still faces a tough battle for ratification in the U.S. Senate. On Monday, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged countries that export arms to embrace the treaty.

Ban Ki-moon: "I particularly appeal to major arms trading countries to be first movers. The eyes of the world are watching arms traders, manufacturers and governments as never before. I call on all governments to bring national legislation and procedures in line with the requirements of the treaty so that it becomes a strong force for security and development for all."