Pope Joins Call for Weapons Ban

[SoxFan]

Pope Benedict XVI called on April 5 for all nations to end the production, stockpiling and use of land mines and cluster bombs. He also expressed his support for programs and measures that “guarantee the necessary assistance to victims of such devastating weapons.” He noted that 10 years have passed since the Ottawa Mine Ban Treaty first took effect. Signatories to the treaty agree to ban the use, production, stockpiling and transfer of antipersonnel mines. The Convention on Cluster Munitions, which would similarly prohibit cluster bombs and munitions, was recently adopted and is open for signatories, the pope added. “I wish to encourage countries that still haven’t done so to sign without delay.” The United States is a signatory to neither treaty.

http://www.americamagazine.org/content/signs.cfm?signid=53

[anonymous171]

1. Evil religionist. nt

[Kurska]

2. As long as cluster bombs are incredibly effective Anti-Personel weapons, they won't be banned

Same with landmines.

[jody]

3. Agree, they are "incredibly effective" & also "incredibly efficient" in the sense of bang for bucks.

Given the need to limit DoD budgets without commensurate reduction in DoD missions, IMO mines and cluster-bombs should remain in DoD's arsenal.

[spoony]

4. First the solar Vatican, now this

This is going to confuse the hell out of Catholic bashers :)