MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS' SPOKESMAN MR.LE DZUNG
ANSWERS QUESTION ON 4th JUNE 2008

Question: Please advise Vietnam’s reaction to the news that more than 100 countries have recently adopted the Convention on cluster munitions?

Answers:

On 30 May 2008 in Dublin, representatives from more than 100 member- countries of the Oslo process adopted the Convention on cluster munitions. A signature ceremony, open for all states wanting to become States Parties to the new Convention is planned to take place in early December 2008.

Vietnam is currently studying the Convention and considering joining it.

Vietnam supports the international community’s humanitarian efforts in assisting cluster munitions victims and surmounting the consequences of cluster munitions. Relating to building an international legal mechanism on cluster munitions, Vietnam views that it should enjoy wide participation of states, especially those with great potential in cluster munitions, and should ensure each state’s legitimate need on conventional weapons for the sake of defense and security.