RI urged to ratify mine ban treaty

JAKARTA: Indonesia should quickly ratify the International Mine Ban Treaty to show Indonesian was serious about stopping the use of dangerous landmines in Southeast Asia, a coalition of foreign and local non-government organizations said on Thursday.

A grouping of the United Nations Children's Fund, Jesuit Refugee services (JRS) and local NGOs, said while Indonesia was not badly affected by mines, Southeast Asia was of the worst landmine-affected regions in the world.

The ratification would send a powerful signal to these countries about Indonesia's commitment to eliminating the dangerous device.

The official launch of the campaign here was joined by Canadian Ambassador Randolph Mank.

He said he hoped Indonesia would take part in the Nairobi "Summit In A Mine Free World" scheduled for Nov. 28 to Dec. 3. -- JP