Moldova becomes state party to Arms Trade Treaty

Chisinau, 29 September /MOLDPRES/- Prime Minister Valeriu Strelet, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign and European Integration Minister Natalia Gherman, submitted the instruments for ratification of the Arms Trade Treaty during an event held in the context of a high-level meeting of UN General Assembly on 28 September, the government's communication and media relations department has reported.

By such action, Moldova has officially become a state party to the treaty, exercising its international obligations to prevent illegal arms trade. Moldova signed the document on 10 September 2013 and ratified it on 28 May 2015.

Ratification of the treaty by Moldova is a commitment to fortify the national efforts of strengthening capacities in arms control, thus contributing to consolidation of peace and security at regional and global level. At the same time, Moldova is to adjust the national legislation referring to the control of export and import of strategic goods, benefiting from the international assistance in the field.

The Arms Trade Treaty is the first legal multilateral instrument, setting international standards on conventional arms and munitions trade, meant to promote responsibility and transparency in global trade. The document entered into force upon ratification by 50 states on 14 December 2014.

(Editor A. Răileanu)