The Secretary-General welcomes today's adoption by the General Assembly of a resolution launching a process that could lead to a treaty regulating international trade in conventional weapons.

While there are still many steps to be taken to forge a consensus to this end, the resolution represents the first formal step towards developing common international standards for the import, export and transfer of conventional weapons. The Secretary-General notes that unregulated trade in these weapons currently contributes to conflict, crime and terrorism, and undermines international efforts for peace and development