Statement by

Jackie W. Sanders

Permanent Representative
U.S. Delegation to the Conference on Disarmament
and
Special Representative of the President
for the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons

Geneva
March 4, 2004

Remarks to the CD Plenary -- U.S. Landmine Policy

Madame President,

Since this is the first time I have addressed the CD with you in the chair, I wish to offer my support for you in your Presidency of the CD.

I would like to speak today about the new U.S. policy on landmines which was announced last Friday, February 27. Specifically the new U.S. landmine policy provides, among other things, that:

· After 2010, the U.S. will not use persistent anti-personnel or anti-vehicle landmines on any battlefield, for any purpose, anywhere in the world.

· Within one year, the U.S. will no longer use any non-detectable mine of any type.

· The U.S. will seek a worldwide ban on the sale or export of all persistent landmines to prevent the spread of technology that kills and maims civilians. No decision has yet been made on a possible venue.

· Funding for the State Department's portion of the U.S. humanitarian mine action programs will be increased by 50% over fiscal year 2003 baseline levels, to $70 million.

· The U.S. will continue to work hard for universal membership in the CCW and for negotiation of a new protocol on anti-vehicle mines.

Madame President,

The U.S., as noted in the fact sheet I have asked the Secretariat to circulate, is committed to eliminating the humanitarian risks posed by landmines. We believe the new policy is right for us, and we do not want to force it on anyone else. This policy directly addresses the central humanitarian problem caused by most landmines in the world today: their longevity. We are the first major military power to commit to giving up all non-detectable landmines and all persistent landmines.

While the Canadian Ambassador in Washington noted last Friday "our different approaches on the question of the Ottawa Treaty," we appreciate that he "welcomed the announcement of the U.S. Government's strong and demonstrated commitment to continue addressing the humanitarian crisis presented by landmines." He "also welcomed the announcement concerning persistent landmines and their detectability and the increase in U.S. funding for demining activities."

I wish to emphasize the appreciation we have for the efforts supporters of the Ottawa Convention and others have taken to address the humanitarian problem caused by landmines, and we look forward to working together toward our common goal.

I would also note that our new policy complements the Anti-Vehicle Mine Proposed Protocol sponsored by 30 nations in the CCW. We look forward to working with everyone engaged when the CCW meets in Geneva next week.

Madame President,

I request that the fact sheet on the new U.S. landmine policy be entered as an official document of the CD.

Thank you.

Fact Sheet: Landmine Policy