CROATIAN DELEGATION ATTENDING GENEVA CONFERENCE ON LANDMINE BAN

ZAGREB, Sept 12 (Hina) - A Croatian delegation is taking part in the second conference of the countries-signatories to the Ottawa Convention on the ban on landmines, which started on Monday in Geneva, the Croatian Foreign Ministry reported on Tuesday. The conference has gathered officials of governments and representatives of international and non-governmental organisations from all over the world. The Croatian delegation, led by Ana Marija Besker - the co- ordinator for peace and security issues at the Foreign Ministry - consists of representatives of Foreign and Defence Ministries and the Croatian Demining Centre. Croatia, one of the first signatories to the Ottawa Convention, was also among first countries to ratify the document . Since the adoption of the convention in 1997, over two thirds of the countries in the world has joined it. During the conference different activities have been organised in Geneva to highlight problems of landmine victims. A giant hourglass has been set up in front of the UN building which turns every 20 minutes for each land mine victim as every 20 minute in the world blasts of mines claim new casualties. During this week Croatian officials will present their country's experience and proposals for the settlement of problems in relation to landmine victims and the efficient removal of mines. (hina) ms