Minister Mansour: Lebanon Transformed Cluster Munitions Calamities into Success and Victory
Lebanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Adnan Mansour considered that Lebanon is a major witness of the destructing cluster munitions, clarifying that according to the UN, "Israel" has launched more than 4 million cluster munitions in south Lebanon during the last 72 hours of the July 2006 war.
Minister Mansour added that this is in addition to the tens of thousands of unexploded bodies and landmines that are still deployed in the South, Western Bikaa, and other Lebanese territories.
Furthermore, he referred that since the cease fire in 14 August 2006; more than 400 people fell victims of cluster munitions, many of them below the age of 18.
The Lebanese Foreign Minister's remarks came in a press conference held on Friday, as an introductory to the Second Meeting of States Parties to the Convention on Cluster Munitions that will be held next Monday in Beirut.
On this level, Mansour believed that Lebanon has constituted an important platform in banning the cluster munitions; where the "Israeli" use of cluster bombs in south Lebanon in 2006 triggered the Oslo Operation which led to the Convention on Cluster Munitions in 2008.
Moreover, Minister Mansour stated, "Lebanon has actively participated in negotiations in this regard, and has hosted a regional meeting in November 2008 where it was among the leading states to sign the convention in December 3, 2008, and the 46th state to ratify the convention before the First Meeting of States Parties in November 5, 2010".
He went on to say, "Because Lebanon is one of the most harmed countries, and as it was capable of transforming the calamities of the cluster bombs into victory and success with the cooperation of the people, army, national and civil organizations, we decided to host the Second Meeting of States Parties next Monday since we believe this would prove commitment to the convention articles".
In addition, Minister Mansour noted that this participation will prove the convention's contribution in protection and security, and in promoting peace and development.
"The work of the member states will appear in the framework of implementing the commitments of the conventions, in accordance with the Vientiane work plan agreed upon in November 2010 during the First Meeting of States Parties. This aims at destroying the storage of cluster munitions, removing all remaining cluster munitions, helping surviving victims and harmed countries, and supporting other countries to conduct these activities", Minister Mansour stressed.
At the end of the press conference, Mansour reaffirmed, "Beirut's meeting next Monday represents a chance for all countries to update the national legislations which are to be adopted, and exchange opinions regarding the issues specialized for interpreting the conventions; including the ban of investment in cluster munitions-producing companies".
Minister Mansour indicated that this event deserves total attention from everyone, adding that it is a national duty towards those who were victims of the cluster munitions.
Lebanon will be hosting the Second Meeting of States Parties to the Convention on Cluster Munitions on Monday, September 12, 2006. The meeting will be held for five days, during which 700 representatives from more than 80 countries are expected to take part.
Source: News Agencies, Translated and Edited by moqawama.org team
