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EU welcomes China’s membership to the Arms Trade Treaty

BRUSSELS, July 7 (KUNA) -- The European Union Tuesday welcomed that China has become the 107th State Party to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), saying it is an important development.
"By acceding to the ATT, China, an important arms exporter, contributes to the advancement of the Treaty’s objectives to regulate the international trade in conventional arms, to prevent and eradicate the illicit trade in conventional arms and ammunition, and to prevent their diversion," said the EU spokesperson for foreign affairs and security policy, Nabila Massrali, in a statement.
"This is an important development as a more responsible global arms trade would contribute to peace, security and stability, reduce human suffering, and promote cooperation, transparency and increased confidence," she noted.
The EU urged other States, especially major arms exporters, importers and transit States, to become State Parties to the ATT before the next Conference of States Parties, thus strengthening the multilateral framework. (end) nl.rk