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(TALKZIMBABWE) US, Zim show rare unity over UN resolution

US, Zim show rare unity over UN resolution
Nyasha Chitimbe
Sun, 02 Nov 2008 06:54:00 +0000

THE United States and Zimbabwe, which have worst of ties, showed rare unity when they joined together to oppose a resolution in a key UN committee, which calls for setting common international standards for import, export and transfer of conventional weapons.

The General Assembly's Disarmament and International Security Committee adopted the resolution by 145 votes with both the US and Zimbabwe opposing it.

The committee establishes an open-ended working group for further consideration of "complex" issues involved in regulating the trade in conventional weapons.

18 countries abstained from voting. They included China, Russia, Pakistan, India, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Yemen.

Britain's Ambassador John Sawers criticised the Bush administration for voting against the resolution along with Zimbabwe, describing them as "a rather curious combination."

He expressed hope that the next American administration will have another look at country's approach to the arms trade treaty, which he said would benefit all responsible arms manufacturers and traders.

Sawers said the resolution would have impact only on the irresponsible and illegal transfer of weapons.

The regulation of trade, which has been widely discussed at the world body, has generally been opposed by the major arms exporting countries.

Washington had been highly critical of the Zimbabwean Government and it had, along with Britain, made a strong but unsuccessful bid in the Security Council to impose sanctions on President Mugabe and other top officials.

Labels: UN

posted by MrK @ 11:57 PM