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GS(NP) 95: Letter to the Chairman of the Committee from the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs

 

I said my in letter of 16 October that I would keep you up to date on developments on our work towards securing an Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). I am pleased to report a number of recent, very positive developments, which constitute real progress towards this objective.

 

You will be aware of the vote that took place at the UN First Committee on 30 October in which there was an overwhelming vote in favour of establishing a clear three year timetable to negotiate the treaty. This is a defining moment in the ATT process which sets a clear timetable for formal negotiations in 2010 and 2011, culminating in a Diplomatic Conference on the ATT in 2012.

 

Since Secretary Clinton issued a public statement underlining the US's full support for a strong ATT, on the understanding that negotiations would proceed on the basis of consensus, the US has been engaged actively in support of our efforts at the UN. As a result of the new US position there are already signs that some of the sceptical countries are beginning to approach the ATT differently. The next step in the UN process is a second vote on our ATT Resolution in General Assembly, in late November or early December. I expect this vote to have a similar positive result.

 

I am also confident that we can manage the risk of a delay in agreeing an ATT by a consensus based approach. Securing full US engagement in the process is a strong counterweight to this risk. The diplomatic force the US can deploy will be a great asset in driving forward the process as well as for engaging sceptics.

 

We have built up a broad coalition of domestic supporters who also want a strong ATT, including NGOs, faith groups and the defence industry. Coupled with active US support, I consider that the prospects for securing a strong ATT over the next three years are now much improved.

 

I will, of course, continue you to keep you up to date on developments.

 

 

23 November 2009