Joint Media Release

The Hon Alexander Downer MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs
The Hon Dr Brendan Nelson MP, Minister for Defence

11 September 2007

Australian Government announces further cluster munitions initiatives

The Australian Government will provide increased assistance of $1 million to the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) to clear cluster munitions and other unexploded ordnance in southern Lebanon.

Australia’s support will help reduce the hazards to civilians and allow safe access to critical infrastructure and agricultural land. This funding, in response to a UN request for additional assistance, will bring Australia’s total funding for such clearance work in southern Lebanon to $2.5 million since July 2006.

This contribution is a further demonstration of the Australian Government’s strong record of assisting countries affected by explosive remnants of war, including cluster munitions. In financial year 2006-07, Australia’s mine action assistance included $7.4 million to Cambodia, $2.9 million to Laos, $500,000 to Vietnam, $2.6 million to Afghanistan, and $3 million to Iraq.

As a result of Australia’s assistance, countless civilian lives have been saved, victims rehabilitated, and land cleared and made safe for productive use.

As well as its strong record of practical assistance, the Australian Government is taking a leading role on cluster munitions in both the Certain Conventional Weapons Convention (CCW) forum, and the “Oslo process” negotiations.

In both the CCW and Oslo processes, Australia will continue to advocate a ban on those cluster munitions that cause unacceptable harm to civilians. Australia will contribute to a negotiating text to facilitate reaching an agreement that has broad-based support.

Australia’s approach to the negotiations will continue to preserve the ADF’s fundamental requirements for force protection and interoperability.

Media Inquiries: Mr Downer's office 02 6277 7500, Dr Nelson's office - 02 6277 7800