The Costa Rica News (TCRN)-SAN JOSE – Today the government of Costa Rica welcomed the approval of the UN Arms Trade Agreement during a first debate in the Congress.
“Costa Rica has starred in one of the fundamental struggles for disarmament. We have used our moral power as a peaceful country to advocate for a world without weapons,” said Chinchilla.
The president added that “the approval of this Treaty represents a breakthrough in foreign policy and strengthens the commitment to peace that characterizes our country”. Once the instrument is voted during a second debate, Costa Rica will become one of the first nations of the world to enforce the agreement.
For Foreign Minister Enrique Castillo, the adoption of the treaty at the UN “shows the leadership of Costa Rican diplomacy, because Costa Rica was one of the main promoters of the initiative.”
The Executive believes that “the approval of this Agreement places Costa Rica in a position of worldwide recognition as a nation that seeks peace and works in search of ideas and concrete solutions that contribute to a better social development and welfare for mankind.”
“Costa Rica projects itself as a peace-loving country, committed to stop the devastating impact of irresponsible and illegal transfers of conventional arms to guarantee the welfare of people,” said Castillo.
“Our Legislature has taken a historical step that confirms our ability to contribute to universal initiatives,” said the Chancellor.
The treaty was approved unanimously last Monday by 42 deputies out of the 57 that make up the Costa Rican Congress and the text will pass to the Constitutional Court to make sure that it does not clash with the country’s constitution.
On June 3, 67 countries came to the UN headquarters to sign the treaty, which is expected to enter into force within two years.
The instrument aims to promote peace and respect for human rights, as well as security by stopping the flow of weapons to areas in conflict and making it difficult for criminals to have access to them. EFE
The Costa Rica News (TCRN)
San Jose, Costa Rica
