The United States Delegation to the Twelfth Meeting of States Parties to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction
December 6, 2012
Mr. President,
The United States is pleased to attend the Twelfth Meeting of States Parties to the Ottawa Convention. We congratulate all those states that have met their Article 5 clearance obligations in the last year.
The United States shares the humanitarian concern of parties to the Ottawa Convention and continues to demonstrate our commitment to addressing the potential humanitarian consequences caused by landmines. We have not made a decision on United States accession to the Convention. Our review has identified operational issues related to accession that require careful consideration. This consideration is ongoing, and we expect to be able to announce a decision soon. In the meantime, our current policy remains in effect.
The United States applauds the significant accomplishments to date by Parties to the Ottawa Convention in addressing the humanitarian impact of anti-personnel landmines, and we remain committed to a continuing partnership with other states and non-governmental organizations in this effort.
Thank you, Mr. President.