The U.N. General Assembly has overwhelmingly approved the first treaty on global arms trade aimed at keeping weapons away from terrorists and war criminals.
One-hundred 54 U.N. members voted for the treaty. Iran, North Korea, and Syria voted no. Twenty-three countries abstained.
Once ratified by at least 50 signatories, the treaty would officially ban conventional weapons manufacturers from directly selling arms to anyone who may be suspected of crimes against humanity, genocide, and war crimes.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry calls the treaty strong, effective and implementable. He says it protects a nations' right to conduct a legitimate arms trade.
One-hundred 54 U.N. members voted for the treaty. Iran, North Korea, and Syria voted no. Twenty-three countries abstained.
Once ratified by at least 50 signatories, the treaty would officially ban conventional weapons manufacturers from directly selling arms to anyone who may be suspected of crimes against humanity, genocide, and war crimes.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry calls the treaty strong, effective and implementable. He says it protects a nations' right to conduct a legitimate arms trade.