When the Conference was opened 2 days ago, I was very impressed by the presentations. I felt, however, that we may have set for ourselves very ambitious goals to achieve for a three day Conference. I am very happy to be surprised that the conference under your able leadership has indeed met this formidable challenge and adopted a series of practical and forward looking recommendations.

As we are all aware, the demands for humanitarian demining operations are enormous. The framework adopted for the elaboration of international standards and procedures for such operations will go a long way to make future mine clearance activities safer, more cost-effective and more professional. The Department of Humanitarian Affairs will spare no effort to maintain the momentum of the Conference and to finalize an international standard in the context of the technical working group that the Conference has established. As mentioned by the Secretary-General in his message, the United Nations will advocate application of this international standard by humanitarian organisations once it is finalized.

I am gratified to note the growing awareness among governments and the private sector of the need to develop appropriate technology for humanitarian mine clearance operations as reflected in our discussion, as well as at the exhibition. I am encouraged, in particular, by the progress in the area of mechanical mine clearance. The Conference has recognized the potential benefits of mechanical mine clearance while at the same time stating clearly that at this juncture, mechanical demining technology must be followed by manual clearance and quality assurance. I sincerely hope that this message will further encourage the private sector to develop mech- anical mine clearance machines which would meet the specific requirements of the third world countries where these machines are most needed. I also call upon donors to consider financing the inclusion of such machines in humanitarian demining programmes.

The Conference has reviewed and adopted other recommendations encouraging the development of potential technologies and equipment for humanitarian demining operations. I would like to add my voice to those who have emphasized the need to strengthen our capacity to identify "safe" and "low-risk" areas in the earliest stage of our demining operations so as to enable affected populations to return to normal life as soon as possible.

We have gathered here in the last three days, an unprecedented number of experienced mine clearance experts with a personal commitment to improving humanitarian demining operations. Their vast and diversified experience and dedication are well reflected in their achievements. At the same time, we must reach out and broaden our network to include research institutes, academic institutions and the private industries to mobilize their support for our common objectives.

In conclusion, Mr. President, I would like on behalf of all participants to express our sincerest gratitude to the Government of Denmark and you, Mr. Minister, for hosting this very timely and useful Conference. We will be leaving Denmark with a very positive sense that we have together in these last three days made a difference. And I pledge to you Mr. President, and to all participants, that the Department of Humanitarian Affairs will continue to work with all of you to ensure the timely follow-up to all the recommendations of the Conference. Last and not least, let me take this opportunity to pay tribute to all those who are not with us here today but are risking their lives to rid the earth of this cruel and indiscriminate weapon.