ZAGREB, June 29 (Hina) - The second, three-day regional conference on the prohibition of anti-personnel mines, held in Zagreb, closed on Tuesday. Thirty-three countries took part in the conference, with special guests International
Red Cross president Cornelio Sommaruga and 1997 Nobel prize winner for peace Jody Williams. Over three days, more than 200 participants discussed the prohibition of mines, their destruction, and the consequences suffered by wounded victims. Delegations took part in five public debates on the enforcement of an Ottawa convention on the prohibition of the use and manufacturing of anti-personnel mines, mine-conscience raising, aid to the wounded, the military doctrine, and the annihilation of mine supplies. The parties concluded Slovenia would host next year's conference on the prohibition of mines. Closing the conference, Croatian Assistant Foreign Minister Vladimir Dr
ZAGREB, June 29 (Hina) - The second, three-day regional conference
on the prohibition of anti-personnel mines, held in Zagreb, closed
on Tuesday.
Thirty-three countries took part in the conference, with special
guests International Red Cross president Cornelio Sommaruga and
1997 Nobel prize winner for peace Jody Williams.
Over three days, more than 200 participants discussed the
prohibition of mines, their destruction, and the consequences
suffered by wounded victims.
Delegations took part in five public debates on the enforcement of
an Ottawa convention on the prohibition of the use and
manufacturing of anti-personnel mines, mine-conscience raising,
aid to the wounded, the military doctrine, and the annihilation of
mine supplies.
The parties concluded Slovenia would host next year's conference on
the prohibition of mines.
Closing the conference, Croatian Assistant Foreign Minister
Vladimir Drobnjak said as many countries as possible ought to be
incited to accede to the Ottawa convention.
Some countries decided to accede at the Zagreb conference, Romania
included, Drobnjak said.
To date, 135 countries have signed and 82 ratified the convention,
Croatia being the twelfth.
Drobnjak said the important conclusion of the Zagreb conference is
that it is necessary to stimulate new views in military doctrines to
the effect of putting anti-personnel mines out of use as weaponry,
given their neither military nor political influence on the outcome
of a conflict.
"Only their destructive effect on the civilian population
remains," Drobnjak said.
It was also concluded it is necessary to step up mine-clearing in
areas to which refugees and displaced persons return.
Drobnjak reiterated the Zagreb conference was not of a donors'
character. Since it was held in Croatia, it nevertheless directed
the international community's attention to the mine problem in
Croatia and the need of active assistance.
Several countries expressed willingness to assist Croatia in
solving the problem, Drobnjak said, adding the conference could
lead to more substantial international assistance, "either
financially, or in equipment and technical assistance."
(hina) ha jn