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Ban Ki-moon: â€œUnited Nations assistance in mine action has reached more than 50 countries and territoriesâ€

01 April 2009 10:37 (UTC +04:00)

Baku. Ilhama Isabalayevaâ€“APA. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon addressed the world countries on April 4, the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action. â€œI have visited many countries that face the scourge of landmines. I have seen the devastation caused by these indiscriminate weapons, which hamper reconstruction, damage the environment and cause grievous injuries and death for decades after conflicts end. Conditions may vary from Iraq to Sudan, from Lebanon to Zimbabwe, from Afghanistan to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. What doesnâ€™t change is the threat to life and limbâ€, said UN Secretary General in his message, UN Office in Baku told APA.
Over the past two decades, United Nations assistance in mine action has reached more than 50 countries and territories, Ban Ki-moon said. â€œThe Second Review Conference of the Mine Ban Convention, to be held later this year in Cartagena, Colombia, offers an opportunity to renew commitment to the treaty and to mine action efforts around the globe. My fervent hope is that the world will one day be free from the threats caused by landmines and explosive remnants of war. But it will take concerted collective efforts on all fronts to realize this goal. On this International Day, let us renew our commitment to carrying out this life-saving workâ€.