Cluster bombs and Guantanamo Bay must be focus of EU's Human Rights efforts - Lynne

12.00.00am GMT Tue 12th Dec 2006

West Midlands Liberal Democrats MEP Liz Lynne has welcomed the publication of the EU's annual report on human rights, but criticised the Council of Ministers and the European Commission for failing to address specific questions in the debate today on the continued violation of human rights in the Guantanamo Bay detention camp and the continued use of cluster bombs by EU Member States, urging these must be the focus of future efforts.

Speaking in the debate on the report in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Liz, a member of the European Parliament's Subcommittee on Human Rights, said "One area where we need to be more proactive is the use of cluster bombs. Cluster bombs are not covered by the 1997 Treaty on Landmines but they still have the same devastating effect.

"I am saddened by their failure to respond my question today, but it is vital that the Council of Ministers and the European Commission join the growing opinion that cluster munitions should be banned completely. I also hope that rumours that the European Commission is going to reduce its funding for mine clearance are inaccurate.

"Another concern, mentioned in the report, is the continuing existence of the Guantanamo Bay Detention Camp which we have raised over the last year. It is vital that the Council gives an assurance that it will step up its efforts to put pressure on the American government to close it down once and for all. I hope their failure to comment on this in the debate today is not truly representative of their efforts on this issue. "