NEWS RELEASES

June 4, 2000 (4:10 p.m. EDT) No. 134

AXWORTHY AND MINNA ANNOUNCE FUNDING FOR LANDMINE PROJECTS IN THE AMERICAS

Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy and Minister for International Co-operation Maria Minna today announced $1.6 million in additional funding for mine action projects in Latin America. The funding will go toward mine clearance, stockpile destruction and victim assistance programs.

"We have designated the Americas as a top priority for mine action. The Americas are now set to become the first mine-free hemisphere, with the majority of countries in the western hemisphere having signed and ratified the Ottawa Convention," said Minister Axworthy. "Canada continues to urge full ratification of the Convention, as we continue our mine action efforts to eradicate landmines and assist survivors."

"In the Americas and in other regions of the world that are contending with the legacy of anti-personnel mines after conflicts and wars, we are building a framework for sustainable mine action," said Minister Minna. "As we integrate mine action into long- term development strategies in these regions, we aid the capacity of local people to rebuild their lives and communities."

In Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua, Canada is funding socio-economic rehabilitation programs for landmine survivors. These innovative training programs help survivors to rebuild their lives and create employment through local projects focussed on the sustainable development of their communities.

Canada is also funding an initiative in Honduras to provide shelters and equipment for OAS demining teams, and will provide technical assistance to Chile with its National Mine Action Plan. For the second consecutive year, Canada is providing funds for demining through the Organization of American States (OAS) Voluntary Fund for Mine Action in Peru and Ecuador, a fund that was spearheaded by Canada and the Unit for the Promotion of Democracy.

In addition, Canada sent a delegation to Honduras and Nicaragua in February of this year to provide technical assistance in the destruction of anti-personnel mine stockpiles.

The OAS has been Canada's main partner in mine action in the Hemisphere. Foreign ministers from 34 OAS member states are meeting for the General Assembly in Windsor from June 4 to 6 to discuss the progress of democracy, the observance of human rights and other issues of importance to the hemisphere.

While attending the General Assembly, Mr. Axworthy is visiting a public landmines exhibit at the Americas Showcase, which features a mural illustrating efforts to build a mine-free Americas. The mural, painted by Sudanese-Canadian artist Albagir Musa Osman, depicts elements of mine action, such as demining and victim assistance. Canadian children have attached handcrafted butterflies to the mural to show their support for a world free of landmines.

The Ottawa Convention entered into force on March 1, 1999. It has been ratified by 94 countries. Thirty-three of the 34 OAS member states have signed the Convention and 25 have ratified it.

Funding for the projects announced today will come from the five-year $100 million Canadian Landmine Fund announced in December 1997 at the signing conference for the Ottawa Convention.

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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

Robin Walsh

Office of the Minister for International Co-operation

(819) 953-3160

Media Relations Office

Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)

(819) 953-6534