July 27, 2000 (2:25 p.m. EDT) No. 186

AXWORTHY WELCOMES 100TH RATIFICATION OF

LANDMINE CONVENTION

Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today welcomed a historic milestone in the drive to universalize the global ban on anti-personnel mines. Late yesterday, the Islamic Republic of Mauritania became the 100th state to ratify the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction, known as the Ottawa Convention.

"Achieving the 100th ratification of the Convention in such a short span of time is a clear expression of the determination of the international community to overcome the humanitarian challenge posed by anti-personnel mines," said Mr. Axworthy. "It is another concrete indicator of progress on our way to freeing the world from the threat of this inhumane weapon."

The Convention, which was opened for signature in Ottawa in December 1997, became international law on March 1, 1999, making it the most rapidly ratified multilateral disarmament treaty in history. The Convention is unequivocal in banning the production, use and transfer of anti-personnel mines and calls for the destruction of stockpiled mines within four years of the Convention's entry-into-force.

In accepting Minister Axworthy's congratulations, the Islamic Republic of Mauritania's Ambassador to Canada, His Excellency Abderrahim Ould Hadrami, noted the importance of the Convention to Africa. "Mauritania is located in the most mine-affected region in the world," said the ambassador. "Mauritania's ratification of the Ottawa Convention demonstrates our commitment to join the international community in addressing the landmine problem in Africa and elsewhere."

The Ottawa Convention has been key in establishing a new, international norm against the use of anti-personnel mines. For the first time in 20 years, mines are being pulled from the ground faster than they are being planted. In all, approximately 20 million stockpiled mines have been destroyed and a total of 38 states have ended the production of new mines. Landmine-related casualty rates in severely mine-affected countries such as Afghanistan, Mozambique, Bosnia and Cambodia have been dramatically reduced.

States Parties to the Convention, as well as other interested states and non-governmental organizations, will gather at the Second Meeting of States Parties in Geneva from September 11 to 15, 2000, to review progress in implementing the Convention and set new goals for increased international co-operation in mine action.

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A list of states that have ratified the Convention is attached.

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

STATES THAT HAVE RATIFIED THE OTTAWA CONVENTION