GLOBAL LAND-MINE PROBLEM CONTINUES TO TEAR COUNTRIES APART, UNITED STATES TELLS FIRST COMMITTEE

Press Release
GA/DIS/3032

GLOBAL LAND-MINE PROBLEM CONTINUES TO TEAR COUNTRIES APART, UNITED STATES TELLS FIRST COMMITTEE

"The global land-mine problem continues to worsen at an alarming rate, ruining lives and tearing countries apart", the representative of the United States told the First Committee (Disarmament and International Security) this morning, as it began its consideration of draft resolutions on disarmament.

Introducing an 80-Power draft resolution on anti-personnel land-mines, which has not yet been issued, Karl Inderfurth said it was impossible to walk down the streets of Cambodia or Phnom Penh without seeing a child on crutches as a result of land-mines, which he described as "weapons of mass destruction in slow motion". When a conflict was long over, they continued to kill and maim, wreaking havoc for years to come.

The United States had spent some $46 million overall for global demining and had pledged an additional $12.5 million, he said. The United States and the United Kingdom had proposed a programme to restrict the production and transfer of land-mines, and moratoriums on their export had been adopted by the United States and 25 other States. Nevertheless, much remained to be done. He urged States to join in co-sponsoring the draft resolution.

At the outset of the meeting, Luvsangiin Erdenechuluun (Mongolia), Committee Chairman, expressed shock and sadness at the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin of Israel. Mr. Rabin would be remembered for his distinguished leadership and as a staunch fighter for peace and security in the Middle East, he said, as he extended the Committee's condolences to the delegation of Israel.

The Committee observed a moment of silence in honour of the slain leader. Statements of condolence and tribute were made for the regional groups by South Africa (African States), Brunei Darussalam (Asian States), Poland (Eastern European States), Bolivia (Latin American and Caribbean States), and Norway (Western European and Other States).

Speakers praised Mr. Rabin as an architect of the peace process whose contribution had been immeasurable. They urged the parties to the Middle East peace process not to be deterred by that tragic incident, but to honour the course set by him.

Expressing appreciation on behalf of his Government, Yehiel Yativ (Israel) said the bullet was not meant for the man, but "was an attempt to stop the courageous march towards peace". Stressing his country's commitment to the peace process, he said, "An assassin's bullet will not halt our efforts to achieve what Prime Minister Rabin so boldly set out to accomplish".

The First Committee will meet again at 10 a.m. Tuesday, 7 November, to continue its consideration of draft resolutions on disarmament.

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