Jon Davies

Towards an Arms Trade Treaty

This time last week, virtually the whole city was focused on the speech by President Obama. I won't add to the praise already heaped on it. One of our focuses this week has been looking at how we (locally, but the UK more generally) can help deliver on an ambitious agenda which has a depth and breadth of support unprecedented in my time working in and on this region. From the challenge of violent extremism to the need for better education, the UK is already working closely with the Government and others here.

There are obviously areas where we don't wholly agree - yet - with partners like Egypt or the US. One where there is still a lot to discuss, and one of the FCO's priorities, is the proposal for an Arms Trade Treaty  Unregulated weapons prolong and worsen numerous conflicts in the Middle East and Africa, leading to appalling human suffering . The UK is committed to working not just with governments but with commercial enterprises, international organisations and the defence industry itself to come up with a legally binding agreement to help assess arms exports. But getting the right balance between transparent regulation and the legitimate defence and commercial needs of countries will be tough, hence our efforts to reach out and consult.  Let me know what your thoughts are.

If last week ended with the city fixated on Obama, this week it is concern about swine flu which dominates the chat. We are trying to ensure that British nationals here, and our own staff (Egyptian and British), get the right advice and support . Egypt is no stranger to the threat from "new" flus, with its own experience in fighting Avian Flu - good news at least in the sense it means the authorities are well aware of the challenge. Keep well.

Posted at 09:43 17 June 2009 by Jon Davies  |  Comments[5]