RI urged to ratify mine ban treaty

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