More than 60 countries have signed a landmark United Nations treaty regulating the global arms trade.
June 3 was the first day that the Arms Trade Treaty, which covers the trade in tanks, combat vehicles, artillery, combat aircraft, warships, and small arms, was available for signing.
Argentina was the first of the 61 countries to sign the treaty on its first day.
The United States was not among the first-day signers, although U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Washington will sign soon.
Russia and China are not expected to sign the accord anytime soon.
The UN General Assembly adopted the treaty -- which has beenin the works since 2006 -- in April, with 154 countries voting in favor.
The treaty was opposed by Syria, North Korea, and Iran, while 23 countries -- including Russia, China, Egypt, and India -- abstained.
June 3 was the first day that the Arms Trade Treaty, which covers the trade in tanks, combat vehicles, artillery, combat aircraft, warships, and small arms, was available for signing.
Argentina was the first of the 61 countries to sign the treaty on its first day.
The United States was not among the first-day signers, although U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Washington will sign soon.
Russia and China are not expected to sign the accord anytime soon.
The UN General Assembly adopted the treaty -- which has beenin the works since 2006 -- in April, with 154 countries voting in favor.
The treaty was opposed by Syria, North Korea, and Iran, while 23 countries -- including Russia, China, Egypt, and India -- abstained.
