Russia not to join international Arms Trade Treaty so far

Russia will not join the international Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) so far, RF Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Ryabkov stated on Thursday during the Expert Dialogue forum at the Russia Arms EXPO-2013 exhibition in Nizhny Tagil. Ryabkov said that there are many defects in the treaty, which may result in the illegal transfer of weapons “to certain subjects.” “Meanwhile, we had proposed to make amendments to the treaty to bring it into compliance with international law and the treaty, ratified by the United Nations. However, neither the EU nor NATO want to hear us so far,” the diplomat said, noting that much work is yet to be done to remove the treaty’s shortcomings. “Only after they are removed, Russia will consider the possibility of accession to the treaty,” Ryabkov emphasized.