Proposals put forwards at the United Nations for a new agreement regulating the use of cluster bombs have been rejected at a vote in Geneva.
The proposal, backed by the United States, China and Russia, would ban cluster bombs made before 1980.
However, the BBC reports 50 countries objected after a campaign that the agreement would weaken the Oslo Convention, an international treaty that seeks a worldwide ban.
The opposition was led by Norway, Mexico and Austria. UN officials for human rights, emergency relief and development and the International Committee of the Red Cross were also against it.
US officials say 85% - 90% of cluster munition stockpiles are held by countries that are not parties to the Oslo Convention and have no intention of joining it.
