NRA News at the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty Negotiations: Tom Mason - July 27

Published on July 28, 2012
Duration: 11:05

This video discusses the breakdown of the Arms Trade Treaty negotiations at the UN on July 27, 2012. The US delegation, led by Tom Countryman, effectively halted the process by stating more time was needed to get it right, indicating a lack of consensus. This move was seen as a significant victory for gun rights advocates, as it pushed off contentious issues like civilian firearm ownership and ammunition. Several other countries, including Russia, Canada, and North Korea, also signaled their non-support for the draft treaty, further contributing to its stalled status. The future of the treaty now rests with the General Assembly, with potential for renewed discussions in late October or early November 2012.

Quick Summary

The UN Arms Trade Treaty negotiations stalled on July 27, 2012, when the US delegation stated more time was needed for proper execution, signaling a lack of consensus. This move, supported by other nations like Russia, Canada, and North Korea, postponed contentious issues such as civilian firearm ownership and ammunition, leaving the treaty's future dependent on the UN General Assembly's decision.

Chapters

  1. 00:00US Delegation Halts Treaty Talks
  2. 00:17Pulling the Plug on the Process
  3. 01:13Civilian Firearms and Ammunition Issues
  4. 01:35Substantive Treaty Issues
  5. 01:54What Happens if the Treaty Fails?
  6. 02:23Sovereign Rights and the Preamble
  7. 03:10Unhappy Delegates and Draft Treaty
  8. 03:40UN Process Criticized
  9. 03:53Impact of Senator Letters
  10. 04:47US Statement Reaction
  11. 05:01Other Countries Withdraw Support
  12. 05:29Realization of Impossibility
  13. 06:00Russia's Specific Concerns
  14. 06:26Russian Diplomacy and Stance
  15. 06:44Other Countries' Statements
  16. 07:01Criticism of Conference President
  17. 07:21Irony of Negotiation Styles
  18. 08:11UN Determined to Pass Treaty
  19. 08:40Is the Treaty Over?
  20. 09:00Return to General Assembly
  21. 09:37Treaty Dead on Arrival?
  22. 09:59US Decision Rationale
  23. 10:28Victory for Gun Owners?
  24. 10:33Ongoing Concerns for Second Amendment

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused the UN Arms Trade Treaty negotiations to stall?

The negotiations stalled primarily because the US delegation, represented by Tom Countryman, stated that more time was needed to ensure the process was done correctly, indicating a lack of consensus among participating nations. This move effectively halted the immediate progress of the treaty.

What were the main concerns regarding the Arms Trade Treaty draft?

Key concerns included the potential inclusion of civilian firearm ownership and ammunition, as well as numerous other substantive issues like export controls and end-user certificates. The late distribution of the draft text also prevented adequate review and policy-making by delegates.

Which countries, besides the US, indicated they would not support the treaty draft?

Following the US delegation's stance, Russia, Canada, and North Korea also notified the UN that they would not support the current draft of the Arms Trade Treaty, further contributing to its stalled status.

What is the future outlook for the Arms Trade Treaty after the negotiations stalled?

The treaty is considered 'dead on arrival' for the current process. It will likely be sent back to the UN General Assembly, which will decide whether to extend the mandate for further negotiations, with potential discussions resuming in late October or early November.

More 2nd Amendment & Law Videos You Might Like

More from NRA

View all →