09/12/2008 (Agence Europe) - The convention banning the use, production, transfer and stockpiling of cluster munitions was opened for signing during an official ceremony in Oslo. The convention was adopted in Dublin in May by 107 states, including 21 member states of the European Union (Cyprus, Finland, Greece, Poland, Romania and Slovakia did not sign). The European Commission, which has been among the main donors of financial support in the world in favour of eliminating mines over the past ten years (in 2008 it earmarked over €27 million for this), says in a press release that it is hoping for rapid ratification. The convention will take effect after it has been ratified by at least 30 countries. (A.B./transl.jl)