Cluster bombs in Hokkaido

Akahata reported on April 12 that a Ground Self-Defense Force base in Hokkaido in northern Japan has an impact area for cluster bombs. The production and use of cluster bombs is banned by a U.N. resolution.

This was discovered by Japanese Communist Party Dietmembers visiting the GSDF Yausubetsu Exercises Site on March 9. An SDF official told them that the 1.5-hector impact area was completed last year.

The SDF introduced cluster bombs in 1992 to be launched from the ground. With a range of three-kilometers, the bomb scatters 644 shells and instantly destroys targets. Cluster bombs have been used to kill many non-combatants in air raids in the Gulf War and against Afghanistan.

Yoshino Nobukazu of the Yausubetsu Peace Committee said, "Cluster bomb' duds are like land mines. Anyone who touches them may be killed or wounded. We can't tolerate such brutal weapons to be tested in our home town." (end)