The Netherlands suspends the use of cluster bombs

Monday, June 26, 2007

Radio Netherlands

by Robert Chesal

The government in The Hague has instructed the Dutch air force to stop using cluster bombs until further notice. The cabinet decided on Tuesday to suspend the use of these controversial munitions with immediate effect. Cluster bombs have not been banned, however.

Dutch Foreign Minister Maxime Verhagen said on Tuesday that the decision was made with an eye to the international debate on cluster munitions.

Cluster bombs consist of shells that contain a large number of smaller explosives which are set off on impact. In practice these smaller bombs do not always explode right away, as a result of which they often remain exposed for long periods afterwards. In many cases these are later detonated by accident, claiming civilian lives.

Improper use

Mr Verhagen acknowledges that cluster bombs can cause widespread human suffering, but he blames that mainly on improper use of the munitions. "Cluster munitions do not always have a disproportionate effect on the civilian population," he wrote in a letter to the Lower House of parliament.

The decision does not mean that the Dutch government has distanced itself from the use of the two types of cluster munition used by the Dutch air force.  he use of these is still permissible in certain situations after careful consideration, Verhagen wrote. He added that the cabinet will swiftly inform the Lower House in such cases.

Scepticism

Various Dutch political parties such as the Labour Party (PvdA), the Socialist Party (SP), the Green Left, The Christian Union and the D66 Democrats have welcomed the decision.

However, Socialist Party MP Krista van Velzen, an active supporter of a general cluster bomb ban, has voiced scepticism, calling the suspension "half of a first step". According to Van Velzen, there is no indication that the government aims to ban the munitions outright. Labour has said the suspension is in keeping with a motion approved by the Lower House last year. D66 has voiced 'congratulations to a decisive minister'.

http://www.radionetherlands.nl/currentaffairs/dut070626