This year has seen significant developments with respect to the creation of a norm on the use of cluster munitions. The Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) remains the most relevant and appropriate forum for addressing such weapons. As an important instrument of international humanitarian law it continues to strike the necessary balance between military and humanitarian considerations. Since its inception it has encompassed major users and producers of conventional weapons, including cluster munitions. In the past year the CCW conducted serious, in-depth negotiations in order to conclude a new protocol on cluster munitions. 

Following this year's negotiating sessions it is clear that more work is needed in order to finalize a serious, balanced and effective protocol that would address the humanitarian problems associated with irresponsible use of CM. But that will not be enough. All member states must show the necessary political will in order to enable the CCW GGE on CMs to reach a successful outcome. Israel trusts and hopes that those CCW member states, which were also involved in other negotiations on the issue, will continue to exert their best efforts in order to achieve an agreement in the CCW. We expect that the same attitude of consensus and support demonstrated today regarding this resolution will also be reflected by those CCW members that participate in the negotiations towards concluding Protocol 6 of the CCW. We also wish to stress that the fact that Israel joined consensus on the resolution contained in Document L.16 should not be construed as an expression of support to the Convention on Cluster Munitions or an endorsement of its provisions.

Thank you.