Minister Burke welcomes Landmines Agreement

I warmly welcome the reports that agreement has been reached at the negotiations in Oslo on a global Convention banning landmines. This is a major achievement. Under the Convention, landmines will be banned without reservations, without exceptions and for all time.

On a personal basis I am particularly pleased with this development, as I have advocated the abolition of these horrific weapons while in opposition when I tabled a private members motion. Since coming into Government I have ensured that a global ban on landmines remained an important priority of Irish Foreign Policy.

The outcome of the Oslo talks represents a major step forward in the struggle to eliminate these inhumane and indiscriminate weapons which have been a major scourge. It will be particularly welcomed by those countries which have suffered so much as a result of the use of these barbaric devices.

The outcome of the Oslo Conference, attended as it was by over 100 countries, enjoys a very wide measure of support from the international community. Those countries not present in Oslo and not yet ready to sign in December must take account of the extent of support for this agreement.

Ireland has worked closely and actively with the core group of countries which have been driving forward the process launched in Ottawa last year. We will continue our efforts to try to ensure the maximum degree of adherence to the Convention when it is opened for signature in Ottawa in December. I plan to travel to Ottawa to sign the Convention for Ireland.

During my attendance at the UN General Assembly in New York next week, I will be drawing particular attention to the need to build further on the progress achieved in Oslo.Top