[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 64 (Thursday, May 15, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H2685]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CANADA'S EFFORTS TO SEEK PROMPT NEGOTIATIONS TO BAN ANTIPERSONNEL 
                               LANDMINES

  (Mr. EVANS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, I know we all applaud President Clinton's 
decision last year to seek a global ban on antipersonnel landsmines, 
but the administration is seeking to achieve a ban through the U.N. 
Conference on Disarmament, known as the CD.
  Since the CD operates by consensus, any Nation that opposes this ban 
can hold up the progress of achieving such a ban. This year, however, 
the Canadian Government will be hosting a conference at the end of the 
year to negotiate a ban treaty. Over 50 nations have agreed to sign the 
treaty at the conference. It is our best chance to get a treaty this 
year.
  United States leadership is crucial to the success of the Canadians 
efforts. I urge my colleagues to urge the President to help stop the 
endless cycle of violence produced by AP landmines by helping us get a 
treaty this year through the Canadian conference.

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