Japan welcomes treaty to outlaw cluster bombs
PTI | 03:07 PM,Jul 31,2010Tokyo, Jul 31 (Kyodo) Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada has said that Japan welcomes an international treaty to ban use and stockpiling of cluster bombs and vowed Tokyo's continued support for victims. Okada said in a statement that Japan has "actively involved itself in the creation of this effective international convention," or the Convention on Cluster Munitions, out of serious humanitarian concerns. The minister noted Japan has extended a total of USD 390 million for the demining and clearance of unexploded ordnances and assistance for victims in 44 countries and regions since 1998, and ratified the treaty in July last year. Japan "places high importance" on the first conference of state parties to the convention, which will be held in November in Laos, and plans to dispatch high-level officials to the gathering, he said. The pact will take effect tommorow six months after the 30th state submitted its ratification in February. Current signatories include Britain, France, Germany, Laos, New Zealand and Mexico. The United States and Russia have not signed the treaty yet. Once the treaty comes into effect, signatories are required to stop using cluster bombs immediately and to dispose of their stockpiles in eight years. It also says signatories should provide adequate care for the victims and clear contaminated areas. (Kyodo) DBP
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