New bomb clean-up treaty begins

[cal04]

A new international law is coming into force requiring countries to clear up unexploded bombs and mines or pay teams of de-miners to do it.

The treaty on explosive remnants of war covers ordnance such as land mines and cluster bombs.

At the same time, in Geneva, a UN arms review conference is under way amid growing pressure on member states to discuss a ban on cluster bombs.

(snip)
However, the US is one of the key nations, along with China and Russia who are not keen to discuss the issue.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6140530.stm

[Scurrilous]

1. Munitions clean-up treaty takes effect

<snip>

"A landmark international treaty governing the clean-up of unexploded munitions left over from war went into effect Sunday. The Protocol on Explosive Remnants of War , has already been ratified by 26 states . Although major munitions-producing nations like the United States and Russia have not yet acceded to the pact, it is the first agreement setting guidelines for post-conflict removal of the unexploded ordinance posing grave risks to civilians. According to a summary released by the International Committee of the Red Cross, which welcomed the treaty, it requires parties to an armed conflict to:

~ Survey, mark and clear explosive remnants of war (ERW) in areas under their control after a conflict.

~ Provide technical, material and financial assistance for the removal of ERW left by their armed forces in areas not under their control.

~ Record information on explosive ordnance used or abandoned by their armed forces and share that information with organizations involved in clearance activities.

~ Take all feasible precautions to protect civilians from the effects of ERW, including marking and fencing off dangerous areas and warning them of the risks.

The United States is a signatory to the original protocol document agreed to in November 2003, and President Bush has passed the treaty to the US Senate for consideration."

http://jurist.law.pitt.edu/paperchase/2006/11/munitions-clean-up-treaty-takes-effect.php

[mom cat]

2. The "new senate" might just ratify it!