UN General Assembly
2013

the ATT by the United States will be followed by the signing of all other permanent members of the Security Council as well. I should also like to congratulate those countries that have already ratified the Treaty, thereby paving the way for its early entry into force. My own country, Finland, is well on its way to ratifying the ATT as soon as possible. Only when the Treaty enters into force and is implemented will it make a real difference in saving lives, minimizing human suffering and lessening criminality and threats to civilian populations by providing the highest common standards for the trade in arms, ammunition and components. Once again, I should like to thank and congratulate the non-governmental organization community for its dedication and tireless efforts in favour of the ATT. They never lost their faith and pushed Governments hard to achieve that result. But our work is not yet done. Together we must continue to secure the 50 ratifications needed and ensure more to support for the ATT. We must also persuade those countries that abstained in the