Conference accepts draft on cluster bombs ban-more than 100 nations

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http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L2866126.htm

An international conference accepted on Wednesday a draft treaty to ban the use of cluster munitions.

The conference attended by more than 100 nations, though not the United States, agreed on the draft at its meeting in Ireland.

"It's a strong and robust prohibition on all known cluster munitions," Christian Ruge, a member of the Norwegian delegation, told Reuters.

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The United States says it sees "certain military utility" for the weapons, and is not attending the meeting. It has been accused by activists of pushing allies such as Britain, Canada, France, Germany and Australia to try to weaken the treaty.