[NYTr] Brazil pressured on cluster bombs

[All the News That Doesn't Fit]

BBC News - Sep 4, 2007
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/americas/6977242.stm


Brazil pressured on cluster bombs

By Gary Duffy
BBC News, Sao Paulo

The Brazilian government will come under increasing pressure over its 
position on cluster bombs at a conference of Latin American countries.

Brazil, which produces cluster bombs, has stayed outside the so-called 
Oslo Process which seeks to conclude a treaty banning these munitions
by 2008.

Its government says it would prefer to see the issue dealt under the 
auspices of the United Nations.

Cluster bombs remain one of the most controversial weapons of war.

If these smaller bombs fail to explode, they can pose a hazard to 
civilians and especially children for many years to come.

The Costa Rica conference is part of a campaign to make Latin America 
the first region in the world to be completely free of cluster bombs.

* Setting an example *

The leading pressure group, the Cluster Munition Coalition, says it has 
been disappointed by the failure of Brazil, which it describes as a big 
producer, to take part in the process so far.

Brazil will be represented at the conference in Costa Rica.

But it seems likely its position will be a disappointment to
campaigners who are pressing for change.

The Brazilian government has confirmed that it will be maintaining its 
stance that this issue would be better dealt with in the multilateral 
sphere under the auspices of the United Nations.

A spokeswoman said that while slower, the process in the UN would be 
more effective as it would engage the whole community.

Campaigners say if Brazil was to join the Oslo Process, Latin America 
would set an example for the rest of the world and they have welcomed a 
statement from Argentina that it no longer produces or stockpiles the 
weapon.

© BBC MMVII