A call to arms (so to speak)

I think of Jimmy Carter as the best ex-President America has ever had. He's worked hard at any number of big profile issues and smaller profile charities and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. I know the right wing hate him but I consider that an endorsement.

I am therefore extremely disappointed not to see his name attached to this appeals for an arms trade treaty signed by fifteen other laureates. They call for a treaty covering at least the following points:

All international arms transfers should be authorized by a recognized State and carried out in accordance with national laws and procedures that reflect, at the very least, the obligations incumbent on States under international law.

No State should authorize international arms transfers that violate the specific obligations incumbent upon it under international law with regard to arms.

No State should authorize international arms transfers if they are, or may be, used to violate international law.

States must take account of factors such as the probable use to which arms will be put before authorizing transfers.

States should submit annual national reports on arms transfers to an international registry.

States should agree common standards for setting up specific control mechanisms.

Did they not ask him? Does he disagree with the provisions? He's previously endorsed the idea.