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TMCNet:  Defense chief says Japan will not acquire new types of cluster bombs+

[November 28, 2008]

Defense chief says Japan will not acquire new types of cluster bombs+

(Japan Economic Newswire Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) TOKYO, Nov. 28_(Kyodo) _ Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada said Friday the Self-Defense Forces will not acquire new models of cluster bombs even though they would not be banned under a new accord on the munitions.

"We have no concept of (using) a new model for now as we will be going about things according to the treaty. I say clearly that we will not use those cluster bombs," he told a news conference.

Hamada said he sees no reason why Japan should acquire new models when the issue of cluster bombs has commanded such wide attention.

Cluster bombs eject a number of small bomblets to kill enemy personnel and destroy vehicles. Their use has been condemned internationally as they pose threats to civilians even after conflicts have ended.

But unlike the old models, new models carry fewer bomblets and have improved accuracy, one reason why the new accord will permit their acquisition and use.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Taro Aso and Cabinet ministers agreed at a national security council meeting that the government will take swift measures to supplement the functions the SDF's cluster bombs have played so that no laxness occurs in the nation's defense.

For the budget of the next fiscal year, the Defense Ministry has requested roughly 7.5 billion yen to acquire precision-guided rockets as an alternative to cluster bombs and for other related expenses.

Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone will attend the signing ceremony for the international accord in Oslo, Norway, next Wednesday.

Once it takes effect, the Oslo accord will prohibit the acquisition of old models of cluster bombs and require those already in caches to be disposed of within eight years.

Some signatory nations plan to acquire new types of cluster bombs.

Copyright ? 2008 Kyodo News International, Inc.

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