Brazil pressured on cluster bombs

By Gary Duffy
BBC News, Sao Paulo

Cluster bombs injure long after a conflict has ceased

The Brazilian government will come under increasing pressure over its position on cluster bombs at a conference of Latin American countries.

Brazil, which produces cluster bombs, has stayed outside the so-called Oslo Process which seeks to conclude a treaty banning these munitions by 2008.

Its government says it would prefer to see the issue dealt under the auspices of the United Nations.

Cluster bombs remain one of the most controversial weapons of war.

If these smaller bombs fail to explode, they can pose a hazard to civilians and especially children for many years to come.

The Costa Rica conference is part of a campaign to make Latin America the first region in the world to be completely free of cluster bombs.

Setting an example

The leading pressure group, the Cluster Munition Coalition, says it has been disappointed by the failure of Brazil, which it describes as a big producer, to take part in the process so far.

Brazil will be represented at the conference in Costa Rica.

But it seems likely its position will be a disappointment to campaigners who are pressing for change.

The Brazilian government has confirmed that it will be maintaining its stance that this issue would be better dealt with in the multilateral sphere under the auspices of the United Nations.

A spokeswoman said that while slower, the process in the UN would be more effective as it would engage the whole community.

Campaigners say if Brazil was to join the Oslo Process, Latin America would set an example for the rest of the world and they have welcomed a statement from Argentina that it no longer produces or stockpiles the weapon.