Minister to address landmines conference
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. David Andrews T.D., will address the first meeting of signatories of the Landmines Convention on Monday 3 May in Maputo, Mozambique. The Convention, of which Ireland was one of the first signatories (along with Canada and Mauritius), entered into force on 1 March last.
Minister Andrews in his address is expected to stress Ireland's continuing commitment to the elimination of mines throughout the world, and in particular its continuing support for mine clearance in Mozambique. While in Mozambique, one of the most mine-infested countries in the world, the Minister will witness a demining operation. The Minister is expected to urge those States which have not yet signed or ratified the Convention to do so.
The first Report of the Landmine Monitor, a civil society based monitoring system developed at the Minister's initiative, will be published during the Maputo meeting. The Irish Government is a principal sponsor of the Monitor and hosted the meeting of ICBL (International Campaign to Ban Landmines) contributors in Dublin in September 1998 at which it was established.
During his visit to Mozambique Minister Andrews will review the Irish Aid programme in that country.
