Draft treaty `warmly' welcomed

The Government and anti-landmine campaigners have expressed delight that a draft treaty on banning anti-personnel mines has been agreed in Oslo. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Burke, "warmly welcomed" the agreement, describing it as a "major achievement". "Under the convention, landmines will be banned without reservations, without exceptions and for all time," he said.

Mr Burke pointed out that while in opposition he had tabled a Dail motion ail calling for a global ban on landmines. He planned to sign the convention in Ottawa.

Those countries not present in Oslo and not yet ready to sign in December must take account of the extent of support for the agreement worldwide, he said.

Mr Tony D'Costa, secretary of the Catholic peace movement, Pax Christi, said the news was "fantastic". "This is a real moral victory for those of us who have been campaigning against these evil weapons for so long."

Mr D'Costa, who has just returned from the negotiations in Oslo, said the next task would be to persuade as many countries as possible to sign on for the final treaty in Ottawa in December.

The Government should try to be the first to ratify the agreement, he added.

Ms Annette Honan, campaign co-ordinator at Trocaire, described the agreement as "an important beginning". The draft treaty was not ideal but it was the best one available, she said.

"Our greatest fear was that the US would insist successfully on a weakened treaty. They were looking for far too many concessions, which would make the treaty meaningless.

"It was better for them to withdraw and let those who were serious about a ban come to agreement. Perhaps they can join in later on."

Ms Honan said "huge credit" was due to the Government, which was one of six core countries that led the international movement pressing for a treaty.