US signs UN treaty to regulate weapons trade

The United States, the world's largest exporter of conventional weapons, signed the Arms Trade Treaty Wednesday, taking the first step towards regulating the lucrative international trade responsible for many civilian deaths. US Secretary of State John Kerry signed the treaty at the UN headquarters, joining 89 other countries that have already done so since it was opened for signatures in May. Human rights groups have commended the move. "Today's signing of the Arms Trade Treaty by the United States is a significant victory for human rights and development," said Raymond C Offenheiser, president of Oxfam America. "The US is the world's foremost arms exporter, and US signature is a powerful step demonstrating the United States' commitment to preventing mass atrocities and protecting civilians from armed conflict.", dpa reported Rights group Amnesty International said the United States supplied arms to 170 countries, and its weapons account for 30 per cent of the world's weapons trade. The treaty, adopted by the UN General Assembly this year, will enter into force after 50 countries have ratified it.