President Lula first to support arms trade treaty

President Lula first head of state to support an arms trade treaty

Brazil's President Lula has stated his readiness to play a key role in pushing for an international treaty to control arms.

President Lula agreed to work with Amnesty International on this and other initiatives in a meeting held with the organization's Secretary General Irene Khan.

Ms Khan presented to the Brazilian President, the Control Arms Campaign ( http://amnesty-news.c.tep1.com/maabH4Eaa2tZLbb0hPub/ ) which was launched on 9 October by Amnesty International, Oxfam and the International Action Network on Small Arms (IANSA). The campaign aims to reduce arms proliferation and misuse and to convince governments to introduce a binding arms trade treaty.

"Brazil's support for an international Arms Trade treaty reflects President Lula's concern about arresting human rights abuses flowing from gun violence in Brazil, as well as his strong interest in Africa where the use of small arms has been disastrous," said Ms Khan.

She welcomed President Lula's unequivocal response to: "...undertake all efforts to build a network and create a positive balance in favour of arms control."

President Lula pledged his government's support to Amnesty International: "We will be your partner for this and other initiatives."

Control Arms campaign at http://amnesty-news.c.tep1.com/maabH4Eaa2tZLbb0hPub/

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