Australia baulks at cluster bomb ban
Louise Hall; 25/5/08
The Australian Government is frustrating attempts by the international community to ban cluster bombs, blamed for killing and maiming thousands of civilians. Talks are being held in Dublin to thrash out a treaty that would completely wipe out the use, production, transfer and stockpiling of cluster munitions among the 109 potential signatories. France and Britain have announced their intention to ban weapons that cause “unacceptable harm” but a group of countries including Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Japan and the Netherlands are push-ing for an exemption clause on joint operations with states outside the treaty that may use cluster bombs. This includes major producers and stockpilers China, India, Israel, Pakistan, Russia and the US.
Tags: Arms, Australia, Cluster Bombs, Global, UN