Britain says it wants to ban cluster bombs, but in reality is more concerned with appeasing the US
By Jody Williams
The Guardian, Tuesday May 27 2008
"A decade after the signing of a treaty to eliminate landmines, representatives from more than 100 countries are meeting in Dublin this week to ban an equally indiscriminate killer of innocent people - the cluster bomb.
There are billions of cluster bomblets stockpiled, ready for use by 75 countries. These bombs are responsible for killing or maiming countless civilians as their mini-bombs explode months - or even years - after they are dropped. And here's another chilling fact: one in four victims of these bombs are children. The British government has widely and loudly proclaimed its leadership in the movement to ban these bombs. But as the Dublin conference unfolds, many of us seriously question that "leadership".
It is clear that Britain is following the US - which has no intention of signing up - as it works behind the scenes to greatly weaken the treaty. But rather than continue to follow America's position, the UK should heed the words of its nine former defence chiefs and military commanders who have called upon the Brown government to ban clusters......."
By Jody Williams
The Guardian, Tuesday May 27 2008
"A decade after the signing of a treaty to eliminate landmines, representatives from more than 100 countries are meeting in Dublin this week to ban an equally indiscriminate killer of innocent people - the cluster bomb.
There are billions of cluster bomblets stockpiled, ready for use by 75 countries. These bombs are responsible for killing or maiming countless civilians as their mini-bombs explode months - or even years - after they are dropped. And here's another chilling fact: one in four victims of these bombs are children. The British government has widely and loudly proclaimed its leadership in the movement to ban these bombs. But as the Dublin conference unfolds, many of us seriously question that "leadership".
It is clear that Britain is following the US - which has no intention of signing up - as it works behind the scenes to greatly weaken the treaty. But rather than continue to follow America's position, the UK should heed the words of its nine former defence chiefs and military commanders who have called upon the Brown government to ban clusters......."
No comments:
Post a Comment