Global arms treaty: when?

The Control Arms campaign in a statement dated 24 July, 2006 welcomes Arms Trade Treaty proposal.

Ambassadors of seven countries, including the United Kingdom, have written to all governments to try to keep going towards the goal of an arms trade treaty, and hoping for some decisions when the United Nations General Assembly meets in October this year (2006).  The letter proposes setting up a UN group to commence work no later than 2008.  If they don't commence work until 2008, when will they finish?  Action is needed urgently.   Some governments look at the profits from arms sales, rather than thinking of the death and destruction the weapons cause when used.  I wouldn't suggest rushing and getting a treaty that was less than effective, but surely there could be a greater sense of urgency to reduce the death and suffering caused by weapons?