INTERVENTO DEL VICE MINISTRO DEGLI AFFARI ESTERI BRUNO ARCHI ALL’EVENTO CHE SEGNA L’APERTURA DELLA FIRMA DEL TRATTATO SUL COMMERCIO DI ARMI CONVENZIONALI (3 giugno 2013)

Thank you, Mr. Secretary-General, and thank you for your leadership on this ground-breaking initiative.

Italy is proud to sign the Arms Trade Treaty. To sign at the earliest possible date was the wish of the Italian Government; the representatives of the civil society, who gave useful input to our work throughout the negotiating process; and the Italian business community, which is committed to high standards of transparency in this field. The ATT also enjoys broad support among the Italian people.

We are extremely pleased to be part of this historic moment along with an impressive number of delegations sharing the values and goals affirmed by the Treaty. This is not just a signing ceremony: it is also an important opportunity to reaffirm before the international community our active commitment to disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control.

Italy has been at the forefront of the ATT process from the beginning. We are satisfied overall with the adopted Treaty. The text is strong, balanced and realistic. It largely meets Italy’s expectations, is consistent with the EU import and export control policy, and represents a major achievement for the international community.

We are convinced the Treaty will contribute significantly to international and regional peace, security and stability by regulating the international trade in conventional arms, making it more responsible and transparent, and eradicating the illicit arms trade. Italy is therefore committed to actively support the implementation and universalization of the Treaty.

To foster the rapid entry into force and full implementation of the Treaty, we are making a series of commitments at the national level:

First: Italy will do its best to be among the first countries to complete its domestic procedures and deposit its instrument of ratification.

Second: Italy believes we should strive for universal acceptance of the Treaty. An outreach effort is needed to encourage the largest possible number of countries to join the ATT. We will actively engage in this effort in coordination with our EU partners.

Third: Italy will support the Treaty also in the framework of our commitment against gender violence and the promotion of awareness regarding the particular vulnerability of women in armed conflict. In this regard, we are planning specific initiatives to promote the analysis and identify ways and means to implement the ATT in such a way that it can assure the best possible protection for women and children.

The international community stands to gain much from the ATT, which can make a huge difference for people across the globe.

I thank you all for your kind attention.