NEWS RELEASES
AXWORTHY MARKS LANDMINE ANNIVERSARY IN OTTAWA
December 1, 1999 (3:50 p.m. EST) No. 262
AXWORTHY MARKS LANDMINE ANNIVERSARY IN OTTAWA
Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today announced that he will host and participate in key events related
to landmines from December 1 to 3 in Ottawa, to mark the second anniversary of the signing of the Ottawa
Convention. The events include today's release of the 1998-99 annual report on the Canada Landmine Fund, a
mine action exhibition, and the inaugural dinner of the Canadian Landmine Foundation.
"These events will highlight our success in increasing global support for the ban on landmines, to which more
than two thirds of the world's nations are already adhering, as well as the need to continue to work toward its
ultimate aim," said Mr. Axworthy. "Canada has been successful at raising awareness and establishing an
international code of conduct with respect to landmines. We will continue to lead international efforts to ensure
the global removal of mines and the destruction of stockpiles, and to assist victims."
Today, the Minister tabled the first annual report on the Canadian Landmine Fund. The report, entitled Seeds of
Terror, Seeds of Hope, documents Canada's 1998-99 investments in addressing the landmine crisis. The $100
million Fund, which is administered by four government departments, was announced in December 1997.
Mr. Axworthy will open a mine action exhibition organized by the Department of Foreign Affairs and
International Trade, the Canadian Red Cross and Mines Action Canada on December 2. The exhibition, entitled
Ban Landmines 99, will be open to the public and will include the participation of a range of Canadian and
international organizations working with Canada in the global struggle against landmines. The exhibition will
feature a simulated mined village that will recreate the plight of refugees returning to a town that has been
mined, and will include mine dog demonstrations. The exhibition will also feature a cyber-café with multimedia
interaction on the landmine issue, a mine action film festival, and a speakers corner including presentations and
panel discussions by prominent mine action experts and advocates.
On the morning of December 3, the Minister will address The National Press Club. Later in the day, he will
accompany Queen Noor of Jordan and several other special guests to the landmine exhibition, and attend the
Canadian Landmine Foundation inaugural dinner to commemorate the second anniversary of the Ottawa
Convention. The evening will be hosted by Governor General Adrienne Clarkson and will include other
prominent guests such as U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy, philanthropist George Soros and International Campaign
to Ban Landmines Ambassador Jody Williams.
The Anti-Personnel Mine Convention, commonly known as the Ottawa Convention, first opened for signature in
Ottawa on December 3 and 4, 1997, and entered into force on March 1, 1999. To date it has been signed or
acceded to by 136 countries and ratified by 89.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Debora Brown
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
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