Landmine treaty to be enforced in six months

The treaty was signed by more than 120 governments in Ottawa on December 3 last year after an effort spearheaded by Canada, Norway, and non-governmental organisations.

The convention has not yet been signed by China, India, Russia, or the United States.

Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien welcomed Burkina Faso’s ratification of the pact, which he said is “now more than a noble document: it has become a permanent part of international law”.

“Now that the clock is ticking, we are anxious to see progress on the next stage…,” said Chretien, “seeing countries destroy their stockpiles of mines, working seriously on removing mines from the ground, and providingsustained assistance to mine victims.”

Chretien said the signature of the 40th country so soon after the Ottawa signing ceremony “is testimony of the depth of international will to get rid of these terrible, silent killers”.

Diana, Princess of Wales — before her death in August last year — also campaigned actively for the ban on landmines, which kill and maim civilians.

UN Chief Kofi Annan said in a statement issued here on Wednesday that the treaty “will have far-reaching implications for both mine-affected and mine-producing countries”.

In an apparent reference to states that have refused to sign the pact, Annan said, “It is our sincere hope that all of the world’s nations will promote universal adherence to the principles of the Convention.”

Senator Patrick Leahy, a Democrat from Vermont and a leading Congressional proponent of a landmine ban, praised Canadian Foreign Minister Lloyd Axworthy for his role in the treaty and called on the United States to sign as well.

“I am deeplydisappointed that the United States is not among the original 40, but I have no doubt we will join this treaty,” Leahy said.

In Ottawa, Burkina Faso President Blaise Compaore, in a meeting with Chretien, asked for more Canadian aid for conflict prevention and de-mining efforts in Africa.