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Cluster bomb treaty to be signed Cluster bomb treaty to be signed
(about 3 hours later)
A treaty banning the stockpiling and use of cluster bombs is to open for signature in Norway's capital, Oslo. The first of more than 100 countries are expected to sign a treaty banning the stockpiling and use of cluster bombs in Norway's capital, Oslo.
Campaigners are hailing the treaty as a major breakthrough.Campaigners are hailing the treaty as a major breakthrough.
More than 100 countries are expected to sign, but some of the biggest stockpilers, including the US, Russia and China will not be among them. But some of the biggest stockpilers, including the US, Russia and China will not be among them.
First developed during World War II, cluster bombs contain a number of smaller bomblets designed to cover a large area and deter an advancing army.First developed during World War II, cluster bombs contain a number of smaller bomblets designed to cover a large area and deter an advancing army.
But campaigners, including some in the military, have long argued they are outmoded and immoral because of the dangers posed to civilians from bombs that do not explode and litter the ground like landmines.But campaigners, including some in the military, have long argued they are outmoded and immoral because of the dangers posed to civilians from bombs that do not explode and litter the ground like landmines.
Although many of the world's biggest stockpilers of cluster munitions will not be signing the treaty, its backers say the move will help stigmatise the weapons.Although many of the world's biggest stockpilers of cluster munitions will not be signing the treaty, its backers say the move will help stigmatise the weapons.
But the treaty will not ban cluster weapons outright. But the treaty, agreed upon in Dublin in May, will not ban cluster weapons outright, reports the BBC's defence and security correspondent, Rob Watson.
It allows for the development of cluster bombs with greater precision and lower failure rates - an approach the US in particular says it is already pursuing.It allows for the development of cluster bombs with greater precision and lower failure rates - an approach the US in particular says it is already pursuing.
As well as banning the use of cluster bombs, the treaty also provides for clearance in those countries littered with unexploded bomblets.As well as banning the use of cluster bombs, the treaty also provides for clearance in those countries littered with unexploded bomblets.