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Updated: 13-Sep-2002 Notes for Remarks


13 Sep. 2002

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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