Wellington Conference update 2
Update following Day Two of the Wellington Conference on Cluster Munitions
- Plenary discussion focused on the definition of cluster munitions that would be prohibited by a new Convention. These discussions were chaired by New Zealand and Mexico. There were references to particular technical features (eg. Sensor-fusing, self-destruct mechanisms) that might be excluded from such a definition.
- Open-ended informal discussions were held on inter-operability. These were chaired by NZDF Director-General of Defence Legal Services, Brigadier Kevin Riordan.
- A number of Pacific states attending the Conference made statement in plenary and arrived at a group position in support of the Oslo Process and a ban on cluster munitions.
- The inaugural John V Head memorial lecture was delivered by Nobel laureate Jody Williams, who was awarded the Prize for her work on the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty. John Head was the founder of the New Zealand Campaign Against Landmines, and passed away one year ago.
- Discussions are continuing today on clearance of cluster munitions, and assistance to victims.
