21 Feb 2008

Pacific urged to back cluster bomb ban

2:50 pm on 21 February 2008

Pacific nations are being called on to back other countries who have made strong statements for a ban on cluster munitions.

The Pacific countries are being represented at an international conference on cluster munitions in Wellington.

Ema Tagicakibau from the Pacific Concerns Resource Centre says Pacific nations need to show the world they can stand together on issues like this one.

"We have met with the Pacific government delegates....They have given the assurance that they would stand for a common position on a total ban on cluster munitions. Maybe not because it is affecting the region right now, but who knows what the future holds."

Ema Tagicakibau says it should be remembered that soldiers from around the region who serve as UN peacekeepers, in foreign military forces, or as private security guards are exposed to the deadly weapons.