Treaty regulating global arms trade takes effect Wednesday

UNITED NATIONS (AP) – A landmark treaty regulating the multibillion-dollar global arms trade comes into force on Wednesday, a milestone hailed by the United Nations and campaigners seeking to stop weapons sales to dictators, terrorists and human rights abusers.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the treaty’s speedy entry into force – less than two years after its historic adopting by the U.N. General Assembly – reflects the commitment of states, international organizations and civil society “to stop irresponsible arms transfers.”

The treaty requires countries that ratify it to establish national regulations to control the transfer of conventional arms and components, and to regulate arms brokers. It will not control the domestic use of weapons in any country.

Sixty countries have ratified the treaty and 68 others, including the United States, have signed it.