SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES FORTIETH RATIFICATION OF ANTI-LANDMINE CONVENTION ALLOWING ENTRY INTO FORCE
Press Release
SG/SM/6712
L/T/4340
SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES FORTIETH RATIFICATION OF ANTI-LANDMINE CONVENTION ALLOWING ENTRY INTO FORCE
19980922 The following statement was issued on 16 September 1998 by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:Today, the world has taken a step towards becoming a safer and more humane place. Burkina Faso became the fortieth State to ratify the "Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction", allowing for its entry into force in six months' time.
The entry info force of the Convention will have far-reaching implications for both mine-affected and mine-producing countries. It will provide the international legal framework upon which governments who bind themselves to the Convention will be required to take measures to break the chain of anti- personnel landmine use. These measures include an end to development, production, planting, stockpiling and transfer of anti-personnel landmines.
As called for in the Convention, the United Nations will facilitate its implementation. Also, through the United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund for Assistance in Mine Clearance, we will continue to play a key role in coordinating the response to combat landmines.
Finally, it is our sincere hope that all of the world's nations will promote universal adherence to the principles of the Convention.
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