Summary: 10 October 2008, New York - Statement by the Permanent Mission of France on behalf of the European Union at the United Nations General Assembly, First Committee side seminar on France's action in favour of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT)
To date, the Permanent Representation of France to the United Nations has met with roughly twenty French-speaking African countries for a seminar on the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), organized by the French Ministry of Defence.
Representatives from the United Nations, the European Union and non-governmental organizations were in attendance at this seminar, which facilitated drawing up a detailed assessment of the work of the Expert Group on the ATT. The British draft resolution to the General Assembly, which should lay the groundwork for the follow-up to the process, was also discussed at this seminar.
Several participants showed noticeable interest in this work, particularly as regards the key issue of the transfer criteria and they emphasized the importance of input from Africa in all the consultations on the Arms Trade Treaty. They also placed the utmost importance on ensuring that the contents of the resolution be strong and that an overwhelming majority adopt it.
France welcomes the success of this seminar and reiterates its steadfast commitment to an ambitious and universal treaty. It will spare no effort to continue rallying the largest number of States around this goal.
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