Sir, - This week delegates from all over the world are arriving in Oslo to negotiate an international treaty to ban landmines. The original proponents of this initiative, including Ireland, had hoped that this treaty would bring about an immediate and comprehensive ban. All countries signing up to it would be legally bound to cease the production, stockpiling, transfer and use of landmines.
However, the effectiveness of the treaty is under serious threat because of the reluctance of some countries to place humanitarian concern and human rights before economic and military interests. In particular, I refer to a number of changes which the United States is proposing, which look set to derail the whole process. Among these changes are the exception for "smart" mines - those that supposedly self-destruct or deactivate within a certain time. The US is also calling for a permanent exception for the Korean peninsula, where it has troops stationed, and for a long delay in the enforcement of the treaty, with the option to pull out at three months' notice.
As chairman of Trocaire I have witnessed at first hand the pain and suffering caused by these indiscriminate weapons in Angola, Cambodia and Vietnam. The images I carry with me from these countries will stay with me forever.
The people of Ireland will be disappointed by the current position being adopted by the US, especially as Irish people have played such an important part in lobbying their own Government to take a lead on this issue. The United States is a powerful nation at the forthcoming negotiations. It is not too late for it to review its position and to adopt a humanitarian stance in support of a total ban which allows no geographical or technical exceptions. - Is mise
Chairman, Trocaire, Blackrock, Co Dublin.