U.S. Relations With the People's Republic of China (2008)

Group of Experts of High Contracting Parties to Convention on Prohibition of Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) - United Nations Office in Geneva (UNOG), November 3 to 7

U.S. delegation statement on proposed changes by group of 25

Delivered by Stephen Mathias,
Head of the U.S. Delegation

November 7, 2008

[ ...Intervening Text... ]

In conclusion, we do not believe that the proposed changes offered by some of the members of the group of 25 are helpful in moving us forward. If we are to truly achieve our mandate of urgently addressing the humanitarian impact of cluster munitions while balancing their military utility, we would once again urge that any further work be on the basis of the Chairman's draft. In this regard, we agree with the statements already made by Pakistan, Brazil, China, and others. We remain fully prepared to roll up our sleeves and work with other delegations on this basis.

Thank you.