NEWS RELEASES
AXWORTHY LAUNCHES LANDMINE CONFERENCE INTERNET SITE
November 19, 1997 No. 190
AXWORTHY LAUNCHES LANDMINE CONFERENCE
INTERNET SITE
Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today launched a new Government of Canada
Internet site to provide information about the anti-personnel mine issue and the
conference Canada is hosting in Ottawa from December 2 to 4, at which 100 or more
countries are expected to sign a treaty banning these weapons.
"One of the hallmarks of the Ottawa Process has been its openness and
transparency. This Web site reflects that theme by providing open and accessible
information on the global efforts to ban landmines and on the Treaty Signing
Conference. People connecting on-line with this conference can witness, in real
time, as the global community takes a forceful step toward eliminating landmines
forever," said Mr. Axworthy.
"This is also an excellent example of our commitment to using new technologies to
tell global audiences about Canada and our place in the world," added the
Minister.
The new site, called Safe Lane, takes its name from a term deminers use for a
safe-passage corridor, cleared of mines. The Web site address for Safe Lane is
www.mines.gc.ca.
The site provides information on the scope and severity of the landmine problem,
as well as on the success of the Ottawa Process -- a 14-month effort by a coalition
of like-minded governments and non-governmental and international organizations
that has led to this Treaty Signing Conference.
Safe Lane will feature a RealAudio* live broadcast of the December conference
proceedings. People around the world with access to the World Wide Web and the
proper equipment will be able to listen live to conference proceedings, including
national statements and delegate speeches in all six official UN languages:
English, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese and Arabic.
The site will also allow conference delegates, media and participating NGOs to
gain access to the Conference Page for up-to-date conference schedules,
accreditation forms and other information to help them participate effectively in
the conference.
Other features of the Safe Lane Web site include background information on the
Ottawa Process, mine clearance and victim assistance, a youth page, a virtual
photograph gallery and a dedication to Diana, Princess of Wales. Safe Lane also
provides a directory of links to some of the best related sites on the Web,
including the Canadian International Development Agency, the Department of
National Defence, various UN sites and numerous non-governmental organizations
involved in the ban campaign, including the Nobel Prize-winning International
Campaign to Ban Landmines.
*RealAudio(TM) software RealPlayer(TM), a sound card and speakers are needed to listen
to the Internet broadcast. This software will be available free of charge from the
Safe Lane site.
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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
This document is also available on the Department's Internet site:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
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