Yeah, I know it hasn't passed, but the fact that we would even consider ratifing(sp?) a UN treaty is disturbing. Especially one like this.

Note, it was under the Clinton Adminstration.

[url]www.fas.org/asmp/campaigns/smallarms/sawg/evolution.htm[/url]

[b]Nov. 15, 1997:  The Inter-American Convention Against the Illicit Trafficking in Firearms, Ammunition, and Other Related Materials (The Organization of American States [OAS] Convention), was signed in Washington.  The United States was an active participant in the convention negotiations. The convention is a legally binding, multilateral instrument to address the problem of illicit firearms trafficking.  Provisions include:

1.  Establishment of a system to license and track firearms sales;

2.  Marking of firearms in order to facilitate the global tracing of arms;

3.  Enhancement of information exchanges; and

4.  Creation of provisions for training and technical assistance.



All 35 OAS member countries except Cuba and Dominica have signed the convention, but only 12 have ratified.  The convention was signed by the United States, and sent to the Senate for ratification in 1998, but has not yet been ratified.  The convention entered into force on July 1, 1998, after the ratification of two OAS member states.

[url]http://www.oas.org/juridico/english/treaties/a-63.html[/url][/b]

[img]http://www.ncsg.org/topohat-small.jpg[/img]

tim,

You're absolutely right! Just found this also. Interesting to say the least.

[url] www.usinfo.state.gov/topical/pol/arms/stories/01061323.htm[/url]

[img]http://www.ncsg.org/topohat-small.jpg[/img]