Statement delivered by the Minister Plenipotentiary of the Argentine Republic, Maria Paula Mac Loughlin

November 9th

 

Mr. President:

The Argentine delegation voted in abstention on draft resolution L.43, “Application of the Convention on Cluster Munitions”.

The Argentine Republic does not possess prohibited ammunition and continues to advocate for the total prohibition of this type of weapons, without exception, or for their significant reduction without discrimination.

As is known, the Argentine Republic, to date, has not signed the Convention on Cluster Munitions.

Argentina actively participated in the entire negotiating process in order to achieve the adoption of an international instrument for the total prohibition of such weapons and that would respond to high humanitarian standards. However, in our country's opinion, the adopted text was not ambitious enough and, in particular, its articles 2º and 21º are considered contrary to the objective of total prohibition and the principle of non-discrimination. The described situation has not changed.

However, considering that the Argentine vision is to promote the total prohibition, in a manner consistent with national policy on the matter, my country attends as an Observer the meetings of the States Parties to the Convention.

Thank you, Mr. President.