13 Sep. 2002
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Notes
for Remarks at the Launch of the 2002 Landmine Monitor Report
by
the Canadian Ambassador to NATO
David Wright
- I am very pleased to welcome representatives of the International
Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) to NATO for the release of the 2002
Landmine Monitor Report.
- The ICBL played an absolutely critical role in mobilizing public support
for international action to address the scourge of landmines. It continues
to play an equally crucial role in promoting implementation of the Ottawa
Convention.
- As you will hear in a few minutes from the representatives of the
ICBL, there has been progress over the last five years in addressing
the threats of the safety and security of innocent civilians posed by
anti-personnel landmines.
- Unfortunately, it is equally clear that much more must be done before
the landmines problem is totally eliminated.
- The international security environment has changed radically in the
last decade. NATO has evolved in response to this new environment.
- Today, NATO is actively looking for opportunities to cooperate with
member states of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council, other international
organizations and non-governmental organizations.
- Such cooperation will promote regional cooperation to enhance security
and stability.
- It is desire to cooperate in an open and transparent manner with partners
that led NATO to respond positively to the suggestion that the Brussels
launch of the Landmine Monitor Report take place here in NATO's headquarters.
- NATO has put in place a number of programmes and activities through
which it is contributing to efforts to address the landmine problem
in the Euro-Atlantic region.
- Dr. Buckley will highlighting these activities shortly and I don't
want to steal this thunder. However, I would like to highlight Canada's
support for projects implemented though PfP Trust Funds to assist Partner
states to destroy their stockpiles of anti-personnel landmines.
- Trust Funds are a particularly effective vehicle for cooperation among
EAPC member states. Canada is pleased to have initiated this idea and
to have taken the lead in implementing a number of such projects.
- The Landmine Monitor Report provides a detailed review of the status
of implementation of the Ottawa Convention. As the internationally accepted
reference work on the issue, it is an invaluable resource.
- I would like to pay particular tribute to Handicap International Belgium.
It plays a leading role in the preparation of the Landmine Monitor Report.
This is illustrated by the presence here today of its representatives
to present the key findings of this Report.
- I would be remiss if I did not also note that Mines Action Canada
is one of the five NGO's that are responsible for the preparation of
the Report. Canada is pleased that, through its support the Mines Action
Canada, it is able to support the preparation of the Report.
- I look forward to the presentation of the Reports major findings.

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