02 Apr 2013
Mr President,
Throughout the entire process, from the Preparatory Committee to the Final Conference, Singapore has consistently stated its position that an Arms Trade Treaty should be practical, effective and based on feasible and implementable obligations, so that it can be universally accepted; and that the Treaty text should be adopted on the basis of consensus.
The work of Member States over the nine days of the Final Conference resulted in a much improved text with clearer and tighter legal language. However, certain articles were introduced late in the day and incorporated in the final text with little opportunity for debate. It would have been better to incorporate more views and proposals to facilitate wider acceptance of the text.
Thank you.
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