March 24, 1998 No. 67

NEW FRAMEWORK UNDERSCORES CANADA'S COMMITMENT TO MINE ACTION CO-ORDINATION

Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy and Diane Marleau, Minister for International Co-operation, today announced new measures in the fight against anti-personnel (AP) mines. The announcement came at the close of the International Workshop for Mine Action Co-ordination in Ottawa.

The ministers announced that a framework for partnership in global mine action -- between Foreign Affairs and International Trade, the Canadian International Development Agency, National Defence, and Industry Canada -- has been established to manage the $100 million fund announced by Prime Minister Chrétien last December. The role of Canadian and international Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in contributing to the development of mine action policy and program delivery will promote an effective and co-ordinated response to the AP mine crisis.

"It is this partnership between departments and NGOs that shows the high priority we place on an integrated, holistic approach to mine action," said Minister Axworthy. "We owe it to victims to get down to action without delay."

"Canada and the world community are determined to make the best use of our common resources to address the crisis of landmines," said Minister Marleau.

During the workshop, participants recognized the need to reinforce the capacity of the United Nations (UN) to act as a focal point for co-ordinated anti-personnel mine activities. Canada is responding immediately to this need by today announcing a contribution of $2 million in 1998-99 to the UN Voluntary Trust Fund for Mine Clearance in support of the Mine Action Service. These funds will be used to reinforce the UN's ability to undertake assessment missions and surveys -- the essential first step in effective mine action -- and to co-ordinate global efforts.

The Ottawa convention banning anti-personnel mines, is the first disarmament instrument to ban a widely used weapon of war. The convention calls for international co-operation to ensure stockpile destruction, assistance to victims and mine clearance.

Funding for this initiative was provided for in the February 1998 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Debora Brown

Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs

(613) 995-1851

André Doren

Office of the Minister for International Co-operation

(819) 997-6919

Media Relations Office

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

(613) 995-1874

Media Relations Office

Canadian International Development Agency

(819) 953-6534

This document is also available on the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Internet site: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca