It was also a participant, along with fifteen other factions of the civil war, in the November 11, 2002 Deed of Commitment to ban landmines.

Banning Landmines Canada has played an integral role in banning anti-personal landmines, which claim an average of 500 victims a week.

As a General, Boyle fought against Canada's participation in the Ottawa Treaty to ban landmines.

He also led the host delegation when the Ottawa Treaty to ban landmines was successfully negotiated and adopted in Oslo in 1997.

Opponents of banning landmines make several points, among them that mines are a cheap and therefore cost-effective area denial weapon.

Lloyd Axworthy brought about the Ottawa Treaty, banning anti-personnel landmines in most countries of the world.

By definition such groups are not party to the Ottawa Convention to ban landmines.

This stand by the Union has created an important incentive for countries to sign up to the convention banning landmines.

Now that the UK government has decided to ban landmines, what is the Council doing to bring about a comprehensive ban in Europe?

I should also like to congratulate Jody Williams and the international campaign to ban landmines, in particular on winning the Nobel Peace Prize.