Iceland's Minister for Foreign Affairs signs the international convention banning cluster munitions in Norway

Iceland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ingibjorg Solrún Gisladottir, has signed an international convention banning cluster munitions in Oslo, Norway. The convention bans the development, production, use, stockpiling and delivery of cluster munitions. It was signed on behalf of 125 states.

On this occastion Minister Gisladottir said that the convention offered new hope for the thousands who are threatened by the existence of cluster munitions. Such weapons cost the lives of many civilians long after the end of armed conflict.

Norway, Peru, Austria, New-Zealand and Ireland spearheaded the process of the convention banning cluster munitions but Iceland has been a part of the process from the outset. In addition, the International Red Cross and other international and non-governmental organizations have supported the ban.

Iceland has supported other countries in cleaning up areas contaminated with cluster munitions, most recently Lebanon. Iceland has also assisted victims of landmines and cluster munitions, including by supporting the production of prosthetics. The convention signed today, foresees continuing cooperation in this field, clearing of unexploded duds, destroying stockpiles and assisting the victims of cluster munitions.