Brussels, 06/03/2007 (Agence Europe) - British Liberal Democrat Elizabeth Lynne, German Green Angelika Beer, Belgian Socialist Veronique De Keyser and Slovenian EPP MEP Mihael Brejc have lodged a written statement calling for a ban on cluster bombs. They urge all countries to sign Protocol V of the convention on conventional firearms concerning explosive remnants of war explosives and ask EU member states to encourage the launch of negotiations on a new cluster bomb treaty. The European Commission is asked to ensure de-mining programmes continue to receive sufficient funding. If a majority of MEPs (at least 394) sign the statement by 1 June 2007 it will become the European Parliament's official position and will be submitted to the Council, the European Commission, EU member states, the Council of Europe and the United Nations. (oj)