22 August 2008

Norway and Ireland condemn Russia's use of cluster munitions

Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin has expressed "deep concerns" over Russia's use of cluster bombs in Georgia last week. "Ireland totally condemns the use of these appalling and indiscriminate weapons in all circumstances," the Minister stated yesterday.Last Friday, the Norwegian Ministry of Defence had expressed grave concern at Russia's use of cluster munitions. "The majority of the world's states have with the adoption of the Convention on Cluster Munitions made it clear that the use of such weapons can not be considered acceptable," said Norwegian Minister of Defence Anne Grethe Strøm-Erichsen.The CMC is calling on all countries that have adopted the Convention on Cluster Munitions just over two months ago to follow the example of Ireland and Norway, and speak out against the most recent use of this indiscriminate weapon.Statement by Micheál Martin, Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs