Main focus of Friday, May 30, 2008

Controversial ban on cluster bombs

In Dublin diplomats from more than a 100 countries have passed a treaty banning the use of cluster bombs around the world. However, the document allows for numerous exceptions. Europe's press discusses the effectiveness of the treaty given that while it has been signed by most EU states, important countries like the US, Russia, Israel and Pakistan were not involved in the negotiations.

The Irish Times - Ireland

"Irish people can be proud of the Government's involvement in the major international treaty banning the use of cluster weapons to be signed in Dublin today. ... The treaty shows that a determined group of relatively small states, working closely with a coalition of non- governmental organisations, can make a real difference in international affairs. ... Two loopholes in the treaty could perpetuate existing armouries and allow them to be renewed if international vigilance and concern is relaxed. ... Nevertheless the moral and political force of this treaty should not be underestimated. Such a raising of awareness and consciousness plays an essential role in international affairs, providing a model of how governments and voluntary organisations can cooperate effectively. This is welcome indeed in a period when all too often the invulnerability of power is taken for granted." (30/05/2008)

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taz - Germany

The leftist newspaper doubts the viability of the draft for a ban on cluster bombs. "This time the loopholes in the treaty are considerably larger and unfortunately also more dangerous [than in previous arms control treaties]. The [German] government is largely to blame. ... Fortunately, its calls for exemption from the ban or at least postponing its introduction for several years as far as the M-85 is concerned - which accounts for 95 percent of the German Armed Forces' entire cluster bomb arsenal - failed in Dublin. The foreign ministry's belated attempt to pass these demands off as 'compromise proposals' is simply grotesque. We can only hope that the German government keeps its promise to destroy the ammunition and does not try to flog it off for a profit on the global weapons market in the eight months that remain until the treaty enters force." (29/05/2008)

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El País - Spain

The Spanish paper comments the signing of the ban on cluster bombs: "Spain has pledged to stop its production and destroy its remaining stockpiles. The deadline for fulfilling this obligation comes into effect once the agreement has been ratified, but nothing prevents us from starting right away. If one assumes that the text adopted in Dublin ... implicitly condemns the inhuman effect of cluster bombs, it is to a certain extent irresolute or even morally reprehensible to continue producing and storing them on the basis of formalities. ... Germany sees things this way, and so should the Spanish government." (30/05/2008)

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Karjalainen - Finland

"In security matters, defence credibility is of utmost importance. A believable - and by that I mean adequately strong - defence is the best way to prevent wars. ... A small country will never be able to arm itself as well as a superpower neighbour, and so our defence acquisitions must be based on effectiveness. ... The cluster bomb agreement puts Finland in a difficult position, however it does seem to allow for weapons that self-destruct after a given time. ... The Dublin Accord will be made public today. ... The Finnish government must examine carefully whether it is possible or reasonable to sign the agreement. We must not endanger the defence of our country. Leading producers of cluster bombs like the US, Russia, China, Israel, India and Pakistan were not at the summit in Dublin." (30/05/2008)

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