The Honourable Lloyd Axworthy, Foreign Affairs Minister of Canada responds to student questions. (Because of the volume of questions, not all questions could be answered.) 1. Dear Minister Axworthy, I am a student who is currently attending Lanier Middle School, which is in Houston, Texas, USA. What do you think was the main thing that caused or launched the Ottawa Conference? Thank you. Yi Zhou Dear Yi Zhou, Thank you for your interest in the Ottawa Process. The main event which launched the Ottawa Process occurred in October 1996, when Canada hosted the first ever meeting of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international organizations and governments to discuss a strategy for banning anti-personnel mines. It was a ground-breaking gathering of 350 people from 74 countries, the United Nations, UNICEF, the UN Department of Humanitarian Affairs, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, representing hundreds of organizations worldwide. The 50 participating states adopted the “Ottawa Declaration”, in which they agreed to work together to ensure the earliest possible conclusion of a legally-binding international agreement to ban anti-personnel mines. At the conclusion of the Ottawa Conference, I issued a challenge to the global community: to return to Ottawa before the end of 1997 to sign a convention banning AP mines. Both the then-UN Secretary General, Boutros Boutros-Ghali, and the President of the ICRC, Cornelio Sommaruga, immediately offered statements of support. By setting a specific deadline and goal, we brought a new focus to the campaign and kick-started national and international action. It provided a clear framework within which NGOs, governments and international agencies have been able to work in an effective and co-ordinated way to pursue a comprehensive ban. This is what has come to be known as the “Ottawa Process”: a diplomatic fast-track approach designed to reach the goal of a ban before the end of this year. Canada and its partners in the Ottawa Process are thrilled that we have reached our goal of a ban treaty before the end of 1997. 2. To Minister Axworthy, What is your role in the Ottawa Confrence? Grant Hickey Dear Grant Hickey, Thank you for your interest in the December 2-4 conference, officially titled, “A Global Ban on Landmines; Treaty Signing Conference and Mine Action Forum.” The conference will take place in Ottawa, Canada. In response to your question as to my role during the conference, I have a number of duties. I invited Foreign Ministers of all countries to come to Ottawa to sign the treaty. We expect Foreign Ministers or other representatives to arrive from over one hundred countries to sign the treaty. I also invited special guests from all governments and various non-governmental organizations from around the world to participate in the Mine Action Forum. On December 2, I will make a speech to officially open the Mine Action Forum and to welcome the delegates to the conference. I will participate in a number of roundtable discussions on the issue of assistance to mine victims, demining technologies and how as many countries as possible can be encouraged to sign and implement the treaty. A Plan of Action will emerge from the discussions, which will assist countries and non-governmental organizations in effectively tackling this issue in the future. On December 3, I will open the Treaty Signing Conference. Canada will be the first country to sign the treaty, along with South Africa and Norway. Sincerely, Lloyd Axworthy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Canada 3. Hello! Why did you offer Canada to be the centre of this meeting and not another country? Do all the members of the government agree with this meeting? What’s your opinion about the negative position of USA? Colegio san Luis Gonzaga Argentina Dear Students, As you may know, Canadians have been involved with almost every peace operation ever under the United Nations. Our Department of National Defence has identified landmines as the number one threat to our people in overseas peace operations. Several Canadians have died and dozens have been injured as a result of landmine incidents. Over the years, Canadians have been supportive of Canada’s contributions to humanitarian initiatives such as this. The issue also has the support of all parties in Parliament. Members of the Canadian Government have been supportive of the ban and agree with this meeting. Members of Parliament unanimously supported a new Canadian law which will implement Canada’s obligations under the treaty. It is unfortunate that the USA could not support the treaty at this time. However, on 17 September 1997, President Clinton announced measures which will bring the USA into virtual agreement with almost all of the treaty by 2006. I hope that the USA might be able to find alternatives to landmines sooner than that and therefore be able to sign the treaty. Sincerely, Lloyd Axworthy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Canada 4. Students from Belarus school #33 would like to ask The Honourable Lloyd Axworthy, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada some questions. - Don’t You have any fears signing the Ottawa Treaty on banning the landmines while your closest neighbour (USA) will keep on producing and exporting mines? History shows that sometimes the Treaties are easily broken when the economic reasons prevail. - Have you ever been to Belarus? Have you ever signed any agreements with the Belorussian government? Thank You very much. Dear Students of Belarus School #33, LA: Canada does not have any fears signing the treaty banning anti-personnel mines while our closest neighbour continues to have mines in its military arsenal. President Clinton announced measures which will bring the USA into virtual agreement with almost all of the treaty provisions by 2006. Since 1995, the USA has suspended exports of mines. Canada and an entire coalition of countries will continue working to encourage USA, China and Russia and others to sign the treaty. Russia, China, India and Pakistan have all stopped or reduced the number of landmines which they export. We are hopeful that this treaty will be signed by over 100 countries during the conference. The treaty will be in force internationally 6 months after the 40 countries implement the treaty. This means it must be made into law in 40 signatory countries’ Parliaments for it to be in force internationally. We hope that this will occur as soon as possible. Canada is setting an example and has passed a law which implements Canada’s obligations under the treaty. In response to your other question, I have not yet had the opportunity to visit Belarus, but I look forward to doing so at an early opportunity. Canada recognized Belarus as an independent nation in 1991 and has established diplomatic relations with Belarus since then. We expect the First Deputy Minister of Belarus to attend the landmines conference. Sincerely, Lloyd Axworthy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Canada 5. Dear Minister Axworthy, Is Canada trying to do anything about the USA not being a part of the Ottawa Treaty? Andy Greenhill. Dear Andy Greenhill, Canada and an entire coalition of countries will continue working to encourage USA, China and Russia and others to sign the treaty. Russia, China, India and Pakistan have all responded to the stigma of retaining this weapon by curtailing or halting their exports. President Clinton announced measures which will bring the USA into virtual agreement with almost all of the treaty provisions by 2006. In the meantime, the USA and Canada have agreed to work together to tackle the immense challenges of mine clearance and assistance to landmine survivors. Sincerely, Lloyd Axworthy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Canada 6. Dear Mr. Axworthy, We are from St. George’s Elementary School in Montreal, Quebec. We are very happy that you are trying to ban landmines so that other people can go outside and be safe like us. Our school is very proud of what you are doing and supports you totally. We are very glad to be one of the countries that is signing the treaty... After the treaty is signed what is the next step in stopping landmines? Will there be another meeting after this one to convince some of the countries who are not signing to sign ? How do you convince other countries about the importance of signing? (Grade 6A) Sincerely, St. George’s Elementary School Montreal Dear Students: Signing the treaty is just a first step. Because of this, a key part of the conference will be the Mine Action Forum, which will bring together perhaps the best selection of experts ever on all aspects of the landmine issue. Countries, non-governmental organizations and other experts will discuss a number of post-treaty issues. These include: (1) early entry into force of the treaty, by ensuring that at least 40 signatory countries ratify the convention through implementation in their home Parliaments as quickly as possible, (2) universalization of the convention, ensuring that the treaty is recognized in other international organizations such as the UN; and (3) the coordination of effective mine clearance and victim assistance programs. The Mine Action Forum portion of the Conference, will produce a final document, entitled “An Agenda for Mine Action”. Every state that comes to Ottawa, whether as participants or observers, will have the opportunity to contribute to this which will represent a roadmap for future concrete action. The document will have three parts: A Program for Mine Action: A listing of Mine Action initiatives that states, international and non-governmental organizations will undertake to ensure progress on the AP mine issue Mine Action: Perspectives and Challenges: A compilation of reports from the Mine Action Roundtables documenting exchanges of views between experts, policy makers, activists and the interested public across a broad range of subject areas related to the AP mine issue; and Mine Action: Networks: A complete listing of organizations represented at the Second Ottawa Landmines Conference, including contact information and brief descriptions of each organization. The Agenda for Mine Action will ensure that there is concrete follow-up on all the landmine issues captured in the treaty and help to ensure that attention remains focussed on the anti-personnel mine question for as long as is necessary to end the humanitarian crisis. We have been lobbying other countries to sign and will continue to do so. A treaty will help to put a cap on the AP mine problem. While it will only gradually have an effect on the mines in the ground, it will help to ensure that no more will be added to the 100 million which must be cleared. Most importantly, it will allow the international community to deal more effectively and definitively with the enormous twin challenges of assisting and rehabilitating victims and clearing existing mines. A ban treaty will represent a milestone in the effort to put an end to the humanitarian problem of AP mines. As with every other treaty negotiated, it will have the effect of establishing not only a legal norm for those who sign it, but a moral and political restraint on production, stockpiling, transfer and most importantly use, for those outside the regime. There will be many other international meetings to ensure the treaty is implemented effectively which will be announced during the Conference. Sincerely, Lloyd Axworthy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Canada 7. Dear Mr. Axworthy, We are proud of being Canadians because of what you are doing for Canada. Do you think all landmines will ever be demolished? (Grade 6B) Sincerely, St. George’s Elementary School Montreal LA: There are an estimated 110 million anti-personnel mines emplaced around the world. To demine the areas which pose a threat to the human population is achievable, and this, according to experts, within a relatively short number of years. With a concerted research and development effort, new demining techniques such as portable explosive sniffers could further reduce the amount of time necessary. And while you or I may never see the day when all landmines will be gone, I am sure that a generation in the future will see this reality. 8. Dear Foreign Minister of Canada, I am a Grade 8 student at Camps Bay High School in Cape Town, South Africa. I believe strongly in the cause of banning landmines completely and I am very glad that people are at last sticking up for the rights of people who can’t stick up for themselves. Here is a question I would like to ask you: - Do you see a chance of getting President Clinton and the other countries who have not agreed to sign the treaty to sign it in the future? Thank you very much for the oppurtunity to ask you questions. Jeunesse Edwards Dear Jeunesse Edwards, Many thanks for your words of support in the campaign to ban anti-personnel mines. “A Global Ban on Landmines: Treaty Signing Conference and Mine Action Forum” will take place in Ottawa, December 2-4. During the conference, the treaty banning anti-personnel mines will be signed. The success of the campaign to ban landmines is owed to a remarkable world-wide partnership of small and medium-sized countries and non-governmental and international humanitarian organizations which have advocated for a ban for several years. Canada and an entire coalition of countries will continue working to encourage USA, China and Russia and others to sign the treaty. Russia, China, India and Pakistan have all stopped or reduced the number of landmines which they export. President Clinton announced measures which will bring the USA into virtual agreement with almost all of the treaty by 2006. Over 100 countries will sign the treaty in Ottawa December 3 and 4. Other countries will sign after December 4 at the United Nations in New York, where the treaty will be deposited. We are hopeful that the USA and others will sign the treaty eventually. Sincerely, Lloyd Axworthy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Canada 9. Here are the questions to The Honourable Lloyd Axworthy, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Canada. From the 1 STI1 pupils, Lycée de Montbrison France. Dear Sir, First, we would like to thank you for accepting to answer our questions despite your very busy life. It is a great honour for us, 17 year old French pupils, to take part in the Ottawa treaty ...even in a very “special” way! - Will the signatory countries really stop the production of Landmines? (sanctions, controls, evaluation...) - Why do so many countries refuse to sign (USA, Russia, China...)? what reasons do their leaders give? Thank you again. Dear Pupils, Countries that sign the convention will make a legally binding commitment to: ban the use, production, transfer and stockpiling of anti-personnel mines; destroy existing stockpiles within four years of the convention coming into force; clear minefields within ten years unless they can justify an extension; and co-operate with a compliance regime. These countries will also have to put in place laws to ensure these rules are abided by in their countries. The treaty also includes enforcement measures in the event of violations. Canada and an entire coalition of countries will continue working to encourage USA, China and Russia and others to sign the treaty. Russia, China, India and Pakistan have all responded to the stigma of retaining this weapon by curtailing or halting their exports. President Clinton announced measures which will bring the USA into virtual agreement with almost all of the treaty provisions by 2006. One of the reasons given by the USA for its inability to sign is its need to retain anti-personnel mines on the Korean peninsula. One of the reasons given by Russia for its inability to sign the treaty at this time is the potential cost of removing mines from its territory or other lands under its control. Russia has indicated it will sign the treaty eventually and has instituted an export moratorium to continue until Russia becomes a signatory. Sincerely, Lloyd Axworthy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Canada 10. Dear Minister Axworthy, My name is Ian Levy. I would like to know if anybody you know personally has ever been hurt by a landmine. Ian Levy Dear Ian Levy, In my travels, I have met many people who have been hurt by landmines. I was first struck by the enormity of the landmine problem when I visited a number of victims of landmines in Central America years ago. I cannot imagine how difficult it must be for children not to be able to run and play freely and to be constantly on guard for the presence of mines. I am fortunate in that none of my family or friends have ever been hurt by a landmine. Over the years, a number of Canadian peacekeepers and deminers have been killed or disabled by AP mines. In fact, Canada’s Department of National Defence has identified AP mines as the single greatest threat to Canadian overseas peace operations. The most recent tragedy occurred on June 21, 1994, when a Canadian peacekeeper, Master Corporal Mark Isfeld, was killed while removing land mines in Croatia. At least one other Canadian soldier has died and dozens of others have been injured since 1992 as the direct result of AP mines. Canada recognised that international action had to be engaged to deal with the menace of AP mines, to enhance clearance efforts and to better assist victims. Sincerely, Lloyd Axworthy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Canada 11. Dear Minister Axworthy, Why are you so dedicated to banning Landmines? How will this agreement affect the world? David Markel Dear David Markel, In my travels, I have met many people who have been hurt by landmines. I was first struck by the enormity of the landmine problem when I visited a number of victims of landmines in Central America years ago. I cannot imagine how difficult it must be for children not to be able to run and play freely and to be constantly on guard for the presence of mines. I am fortunate in that none of my family or friends have ever been hurt by a landmine. Over the years, a number of Canadian peacekeepers and deminers have been killed or disabled by AP mines. In fact, Canada’s Department of National Defence has identified AP mines as the single greatest threat to Canadian overseas peace operations. The most recent tragedy occurred on June 21, 1994, when a Canadian peacekeeper, Master Corporal Mark Isfeld, was killed while removing land mines in Croatia. At least one other Canadian soldier has died and dozens of others have been injured since 1992 as the direct result of AP mines. Canada recognised that international action had to be engaged to deal with the menace of AP mines, to enhance clearance efforts and to better assist victims. This agreement affects the world by establishing a new international norm against these weapons. This has already had an effect on many countries, among them, even some that are not expected to sign the Convention in December. Several countries have already implemented unilateral moratoriums on the use, production, stockpiling and transfer of anti-personnel mines. This is a clear indication of the influence this convention is having, even before a single country has signed. Sincerely, Lloyd Axworthy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Canada 12. Dear Honorable Lloyd Axworthy, My name is Brett Bechtel and I live in Southboro, Massachusetts. Currently, my social studies class is studying the topic of landmines and holding a mock United Nations on it. The United States does not like to discuss the issue publically in the news papers very much, and therefore not much press has been given after the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded. I represent Russia in our mock U.N. and wondered if you could provide me with any information about the country’s stand point seeing as how it does produce landmines... Sincerely, Brett Bechtel Dear Brett Bechtel, One of the reasons given by Russia for its inability to sign the treaty at this time is the potential cost of removing mines from its territory or other lands under its control. However, President Yeltsin has publicly declared that Russia will sign the treaty eventually and has instituted an export moratorium to continue until Russia becomes a signatory. Canada and an entire coalition of countries will continue working to encourage USA, China and Russia and others to sign the treaty. President Clinton announced measures which will bring the USA into virtual agreement with almost all of the treaty by 2006. Russia, China, India and Pakistan have all responded to the stigma of retaining this weapon by curtailing or halting their exports. Sincerely, Lloyd Axworthy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Canada 13. Dear Minister Axworthy, How did you get your title? What does a minister of foreign affairs do? How soon will the treaty eliminate landmines? will it get rid of them all, or just the anti personnel? David Compton and Eric Hester Dear David Compton and Eric Hester, Countries that sign the convention will commit themselves to: ban the use, production, transfer and stockpiling of anti-personnel mines; destroy existing stockpiles within four years of the convention coming into force; clear minefields within ten years unless they can justify an extension; and co-operate with a compliance regime. The Convention applies only to anti-personnel mines, not anti-vehicle or remotely-activated mines. For the treaty to be in force internationally, six months must pass after 40 signatory countries have ratified the treaty in their home Parliaments. Over 100 countries will sign the treaty December 3 and 4 and we are hopeful that 40 will ratify the treaty quickly, so that it will be in force by 1999 or the year 2000. There are an estimated 110 million anti-personnel mines emplaced around the world. To demine the areas which pose a threat to the human population is do-able, and this, according to experts, within a relatively short number of years. With a concerted research and development effort, new demining techniques such as portable explosive sniffers could further reduce the amount of time necessary. Signing the treaty is just a first step. Because of this, a key part of the conference will be the Mine Action Forum, which will bring together perhaps the best selection of experts ever on all aspects of the landmine issue. Countries, non-governmental organizations and other experts will discuss a number of post-treaty issues. These include: (1) early entry into force of the treaty, by ensuring that at least 40 signatory countries ratify the convention through implementation in their home Parliaments as quickly as possible, (2) universalization of the convention, ensuring that the treaty is recognized in other international organizations such as the UN; and (3) the coordination of effective mine clearance and victim assistance programs. In response to your other questions, I am a Member of Parliament representing the people who live in Winnipeg, Canada. I was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs in February 1996. This title means I am a member of the Federal Cabinet and in charge of Canada’s foreign policy, including our relations with other countries and international institutions. Sincerely, Lloyd Axworthy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Canada 14. From Michel, Lycee de Montbrison, France : - How are private landmine manufacturers going to be controlled? - Isn’t it a little late and hypocritical for some countries like Canada, that have sold weapons to countries at war (Angola, Afghanistan...etc...) during the last 30 years, to claim they want to stop what they initially set up themselves? Dear Michel, We do not expect that this treaty by itself will eliminate anti-personnel (AP) mine use by guerilla or other non-governmental military groups. This represents a major challenge for the movement. The International Campaign to Ban Landmines is planning to take its advocacy campaign to these groups via a series of conferences. This highlights the comparative advantage of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as these are the kinds of activities which NGOs can undertake as opposed to governments. As a treaty in international law, the Convention is binding on territory that is within the jurisdiction and control of the states parties to it. Any groups which continue to use AP mines once the Convention is opened for signature must also consider that they are using a weapon which the majority of the international community considers illegal. For groups seeking recognition and legitimacy, the use of a weapon which is now widely reviled will not be a way to curry favour among the international community. You are correct that the world has waited too long to address this issue. Now that we have mobilized world attention it is important that we act quickly and decisively. As for Canada, we have not used landmines since the Korean War, not exported them since 1987 and not produced any since 1992. Sincerely, Lloyd Axworthy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Canada Candian Foreign Ministry’s Safe-Lane web site about the Ottawa Conference can be found at http://www.mines.gc.ca/ The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade website is at http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/

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