Delegates urged to ban cluster munitions

DELEGATES at an international conference being held in Dublin have been urged to use the next fortnight to change the laws on the use of deadly cluster bombs.

Speakers, including Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin, used the first day of a major diplomatic conference on cluster munitions at Croke Park, to call on delegates from around the world to draft proposals that would put the weaponry out of use.

The minister said Ireland’s opposition to the use of cluster bombs was motivated by “humanitarian principles” and Irish Aid programmes overseas had first-hand experience of clearing such mines.