Cluster bomb ban to enter into force on Aug. 1

[unhappycamper]

Cluster bomb ban to enter into force on Aug. 1
By EDITH M. LEDERER
Associated Press Writer

UNITED NATIONS (AP) -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced Tuesday that the international convention banning cluster bombs has received the 30 ratifications required and will enter into force on Aug. 1.

Cluster bomblets are packed by the hundreds into artillery shells, bombs or missiles, which scatter them over vast areas. Some fail to explode immediately and can lie dormant for years until they are disturbed, often by children attracted by their small size and bright colors. A bomblet can kill or maim someone within 10 to 50 yards (meters).

The convention prohibits all use, stockpiling, production and transfer of cluster munitions, sets strict deadlines for the destruction of stockpiles and clearance of contaminated land, and obliges states to support survivors and affected communities.

Only those countries that have ratified the convention will be bound by its provisions.

Ban said the United Nations received the 30th instrument of ratification for the Convention on Cluster Munitions on Tuesday, triggering its entry into force on Aug. 1, according to a statement from the U.N. spokesman.


Rest of Stripes article at: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/UN_UN_CLUSTER_MUNITIONS?SITE=DCSAS&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2010-02-16-22-18-34



unhappycamper comment: Guess who didn't sign.

[Demeter]

1. The Countries That Make, Sell and Use Them

Like US

[dipsydoodle]

2. K & R

.

[jody]

3. Cluster bombs are still a cost effective weapon for many battlefield situations. n/t

[bigtree]

4. shame