Statement by the Spokesperson on the ratification of the Arms Trade Treaty by Lebanon and Palau
Palau and Lebanon have become the 101st and 102nd State Parties to the Arms Trade Treaty, after depositing their instrument of ratification to the Secretary General of the United Nations on 8 April and 9 May respectively.
By acceding to the ATT, both Lebanon and Palau are contributing to the advancement of the ATT’s objective to prevent and eradicate the illicit trade in conventional arms and ammunition and prevent their diversion.
Universal adherence to the ATT would positively contribute to global peace, security and stability, and create better conditions for sustainable development. All 28 European Union Member States have joined the ATT and are determined in pursuing its objectives and its universal ratification and implementation. All Signatory States should advance their ratification processes and all States, especially the major arms exporters, importers and transit States, should join the ATT without delay.
In this regard, the EU is involved in the preparations for the Fifth Conference of States Parties of the ATT, to be held from 26-30 August 2019 in Geneva, which will provide an opportunity to further promote universalisation of the ATT. Other States should follow the example of Lebanon and Palau and become a State Party before the Conference of States Parties