Minister for Foreign Affairs welcomes Nobel prize for anti landmines group

for anti landmines group

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. David Andrews T.D., has warmly welcomed the decision to award the Nobel Peace Prize, to the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) and the campaign's coordinator, Jody Williams, for their work for the banning and clearing of anti-personnel landmines.

Commenting on the award, the Minister said, "The International Campaign to Ban Landmines played a vital role in driving forward the movement towards a total ban on these inhumane weapons. They contributed greatly to the negotiations which culminated in the conclusion, in Oslo, last month of a global convention banning landmines.

"As one of the core group of countries pursuing the landmines ban, Ireland was particularly appreciative of the role the ICBL played in encouraging widespread support for it. This award reflects the success to date of the ICBL's campaign and acknowledges the wide measure of support that the Oslo Convention has already received from the international community.

"I join the Norwegian Nobel Committee in expressing the hope that the Ottawa Process which led to the Landmines Convention will win even wider support. Ireland will continue its efforts to try to ensure the maximum degree of adherence to the Convention when it is opened for signature in December."Top