Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions: Compliance

Thank you, President

My delegation would like to share brief remarks on compliance under Agenda item 9(h).

At this Review Conference we have heard concerns expressed about cluster munition use, both by non-State Parties and, in at least one case, on the territory of a CCM State Party.

We have heard from that State Party, Mali, which noted that the concerns expressed are not necessarily proven and inviting the stakeholders to provide all the elements of evidence underlying allegations of use there.

We agree with our fellow State Party, Mali, that any allegation of use under the CCM should be treated with caution. Nevertheless, we are concerned.

Like others who have spoken this morning, we urge Mali to work with other State Parties to clarify the situation. Like Ireland, we would support cooperative procedures toward this end, and we stand ready to engage. We're pleased to hear Mali's representative just now pledge dialogue to this end, in a spirit of mutual respect.

In our view it is better that we talk to each other about these issues than if we don't, if we are to keep our Convention and the norm it embodies strong in the face of a resurgence of cluster munition amongst non-state parties. After all, our Convention provides an example to the rest of the world.

I thank you.

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