UNITED STATES AND THE ARMS TRADE TREATY

That this House notes the devastating impact of conflict and armed violence on the lives of vulnerable people within the developing world; further notes the role that irresponsible arms trade plays in perpetuating such conflicts; believes a comprehensive, global arms trade treaty (ATT) based on respect for human rights and international humanitarian law would be instrumental in tackling illegal and irresponsible transfers of arms and ammunition; commends the Government's support for the ATT and its lead on the issue at the United Nations; recalls the opposition of the Bush administration to the ATT process and regrets that the US and Zimbabwe voted against the ATT process at the UN in October 2008; welcomes President Obama's stated multilateral and diplomatic approach to international affairs; and strongly urges the new US administration to reconsider the US's position on the Arms Trade Treaty.