cloning convention. Costa Rica and the United States led the contingent seeking a total ban on cloning, which was supported by close to 60 countries. Belgium and South Korea led the side supporting further research on stem cells with the support of about 20 countries, including Britain, Singapore and China. That side raised concern that a total ban on human cloning could block possible scientific breakthroughs against serious diseases and conditions such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes, cancer, spinal-cord injuries, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, and AIDS. --SP 0156 Local Time 2256 GMT