US refuses to sign international ban on land mines

Following a review of its policy on land mine use, the US State Department says it will not join an international treaty banning the use of mines.  The US will send delegates this Sunday to a conference of nations who have signed the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty, but officials say they have no intention of reversing their landmine policy and joining the treaty. Landmines killed more than 5,200* people worldwide last year and can continue to threaten civilians long after a conflict is over. Humanitarian groups say they want to see a more thorough policy review.  FSRN’s Matt Pearson reports.

*December 2, 2009: Correction posted