No Agreement Yet On Cluster Bomb Ban (U.S. Opposes Ban, Not Taking Part In Talks) [View All]

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Source: Associated Press

No Agreement Yet on Cluster Bomb Ban

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: February 22, 2008
Filed at 1:32 a.m. ET

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) -- More than 120 nations trying to negotiate a treaty banning most cluster bombs failed to reach agreement in talks that ended Friday in New Zealand but achieved good progress, officials said.

''Intense negotiations'' will be needed during the final round of talks on the pact in May to create a treaty banning the use, production, trade and storage of cluster bombs that cause unacceptable harm to civilians, said chief British negotiator John Duncan.

New Zealand Disarmament Minister Phil Goff was upbeat about this week's talks, saying all parties involved had agreed to continue the process despite the lack of unanimity. Eighty-two countries have signed up to attend the final round of talks in Dublin, Ireland. ''My anticipation ... is that we will get a treaty signed in Dublin,'' Goff said.

The United States is not taking part in the negotiations, saying it opposes a ban because of the weapons' military utility.

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/world/AP-New-Zealand-Cluster-Bombs.html