Siem Reap, 25 November (IANS). UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Monday that the threat of landmines still remains. He said some parties to the convention banning landmines had resumed the use of anti-personnel mines. This agreement is also known as ‘Ottawa Treaty’.
According to Xinhua news agency, the UN Chief said this in a message sent to the Siem Reap-Angkor Summit on ‘Landmine Free World’ held in Cambodia.
According to the UN chief, the agreement has achieved significant progress over the past 25 years in eliminating the legacy of devastation caused by landmines. Under this, more than 55 million anti-personnel devices have been destroyed in an area of 13,000 square kilometers in more than 60 countries. In addition, thousands of people have also received life-saving awareness education and victim support services, he said.
“But the threat remains,” Guterres said. “Some parties to the agreement have resumed use of anti-personnel mines, and some parties have gone back on their commitments to destroy these weapons.”
“I urge Member States to fulfill their obligations and ensure compliance with the agreements reached through financial and technical assistance,” the UN chief said.
Guterres’ message was read by UN Under-Secretary-General Armida Salsiyah Aliszbana during the summit’s opening ceremony. The event brought together representatives from more than 150 countries that are members of the Landmine Ban Convention.
–IANS
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