Obama I continues another Bush II policy: says no to treaty banning landmines

[Karmadillo]

http://www.newsdaily.com/stories/tre5an5hh-us-usa-arms-landmines/

WASHINGTON, Nov. 24, 2009 (Reuters) — President Barack Obama has no plans to join a global treaty banning landmines because a policy review found the United States could not meet its security commitments without them, the State Department said on Tuesday.

"This administration undertook a policy review and we decided that our land mine policy remains in effect," spokesman Ian Kelly told a briefing five days before a review conference in Cartegena, Colombia on the 10-year-old Mine Ban Treaty.

"We determined that we would not be able to meet our national defense needs nor our security commitments to our friends and allies if we signed this convention," he said.

It was the first time the administration had publicly disclosed the decision.

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[CanonRay]

1. Shame on them

This is one issue where Obama could make a difference without Congress.

[Jamastiene]

2. I really wish he would change his mind about that.

:(

[Sinti]

3. Clinton wouldn't sign it either IIRC - no problem the farmers & sons will find them all n/t

[Echo In Light]

4. "$ecurity commitments?"