MEDIA STATEMENT

8 October 2010

New Zealand MPs host meeting on cluster munitions

The New Zealand delegation to the 123rd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) assembly in Geneva has hosted two meetings on cluster munitions.

The delegation, led by Hon Pete Hodgson, held the meetings in conjunction with the Cluster Munitions Coalition to promote awareness of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which came into force in August this year. The coalition encourages countries to sign up to the agreement.

Hon Pete Hodgson said the IPU assembly being attended by 1000 parliamentarians from around the world was a good opportunity to promote the convention.

“Among the countries attending the assembly are Lebanon and Laos, two countries worst affected by cluster munitions. Their representation at the meetings meant other countries could hear first hand about the impact of cluster munitions and the importance of the convention,” he said.

New Zealand members of Parliament Jacqui Dean and David Clendon are part of the delegation.

Delegates at the assembly also debated issues on the international agenda including prevention of electoral violence, improving electoral monitoring, and sustainable development through the use of natural resources.

ENDS

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