UN Finally Closes Its Discussion
on Arms - For Now
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"...[M]any of the U.N.'s member states, along with
anti-gun non-governmental organizations, complained that more
should be done to restrict law-abiding civilians from possessing
firearms..." |
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U.S. Ambassador
James Cunningham |
As previously reported, the
"U.N. Conference on the Illicit Trade in
Small Arms and Light Weapons in all its Aspects" concluded with a final
"Programme of Action" that posed no imminent threat to our Right to Keep
and Bear Arms. However, many of the U.N.'s member states, along with
anti-gun non-governmental organizations (NGOs), complained that more
should be done to restrict law-abiding civilians from possessing
firearms.
The government of Colombia forced a discussion on further
efforts to regulate firearms by the U.N. Security Council on August 2.
The rotating presidency of the Security Council is held by Colombia for
the month of August, which gives it the authority to make such a demand.
The "debate" resulted in little more than a call by several nations to
support efforts to severely restrict or outright prohibit the possession
of firearms on a global basis.
Secretary-General Koffi Annan told the
Council the recent "Programme of Action" represented "significant first
steps," and that it was "a beginning, not an end...." He encouraged
"governments to continue to work on" the anti-gun provisions that were
proposed in the "Draft Programme of Action," but did not make it into
the final version.
U.S. Ambassador James Cunningham, however, reminded
the Council that the role of the Security Council in implementing the
"Programme of Action" was limited, and should remain so, saying, "My
Government believes that the focus of the Conference, as reflected in
the 'Programme of Action,' was properly on the member states and their
obligations and efforts to eliminate the illicit arms trade. Thus, the
Security Council's role is circumscribed. We do not believe that the
Security Council should seek a more elaborate role, beyond its
competence."
While the close of the August 2 meeting brought an end to
this round of U.N. discussions on firearms, it is clear that there are
many member states that wish to continue the harangue, and wish to
impose greater restrictions on our Right to Keep and Bear Arms. And the
"Programme of Action" calls for a new round of discussions in 2006, so
this international debate is far from over.
Related Stories...
U.N. Conference Opens With Strong Warning From U.S.
U.N. Conference On "Small Arms" Continues Beyond Deadline
U.N. Conference Closes After Marathon Negotiations
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