According to Lithuanian diplomats, the resolution stresses the need for the United Nations to unite forces in fighting illegal arms trade, and pays special attention to preventing terrorists, armed groups and criminal structures from gaining access to arms.
The resolution was adopted by a slight majority after 9 countries voted in favour and six abstained.
“It was a lengthy process as the resolution was deliberated with Security Council members. We worked particularly close with the Unite Kingdom. It’s one of the major results of our presidency,” Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Linas Linkevičius told BNS on May 22.
Lithuania is holding the UN Security Council presidency in May. The country was elected to this institution for 2014-2015, stating the protection of civilians in conflict zones as one of its priorities.
AFP news agency reports that Angola, Chad and Nigeria argued that the resolution did not specifically include language barring arms deliveries to “non-state actors”, a term opposed by Britain, France and the United States which are offering military support to opposition fighters in Syria.
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