More than 100 countries adopt cluster bomb ban

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2008

DUBLIN (AFP) — A landmark international convention banning cluster munitions was formally adopted by 111 countries here Friday, in a move organisers hope will stigmatise the lethal weapons as much as landmines.

Diplomats adopted the treaty without objection at the end of 12 days of robust negotiation at Croke Park stadium in the Irish capital.

The wide-ranging pact bans the use, production, transfer and stockpiling of cluster munitions. It also provides for helping victims and clearing contaminated areas within 10 years.

The treaty requires the destruction of stockpiles within eight years -- though it leaves the door open for future, more precise generations of cluster bombs that pose less harm to civilians.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon hailed it...