THE UNITED States and Zimbabwe united briefly on Friday night against the world to oppose creating a treaty that would control international sales of arms.
During a United Nations General Assembly vote, 147 of its 192 members voted in favour of creating a global treaty that would impose rules on import, export and transfer of weapons among nations.
Only the US, long an opponent of such a treaty, and Zimbabwe voted against the idea. Other arms exporters like China, Russia and Israel showed their reservations about the regulations by abstaining, while still others were absent.
The approved resolution is intended to lead to a treaty that by creating strict regulations on international arms sales would stop their flow into the hands of criminals and terrorists. Supporters of the resolution expect that it will take at least five years before treaty language is finalised and presented to the UN body.
Britain's UN ambassador, John Sawers, described the pairing of the United States and Zimbabwe against the vote as "a rather curious combination".
He told reporters that he was looking forward to the election of a new American president who might "see the benefits" of an international treaty controlling arms sales and reverse President Bush's policy on the issue. "The only impact it will have would be to bear down on the irresponsible and illegal transfer and export of weapons," Mr Sawers said. - ( LA Times-Washington Postservice)