    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1999, Book I)]
    [May 24, 1999]
    [Page 842]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message to the Senate on Ratification of the Amended Mines Protocol of
    the Convention on Conventional Weapons
    May 24, 1999

    To the Senate of the United States:
        I am gratified that the United States Senate has given its advice
    and consent to the ratification of the Amended Mines Protocol of the
    Convention on Conventional Weapons.
        The Senate and my Administration, working together, reached
    agreement on a detailed resolution of advice and consent to
    ratification, including 13 conditions covering issues of significant
    interest and concern. I will implement these provisions. I will, of
    course, do so without prejudice to my Constitutional authorities. A
    condition in a resolution of advice and consent to ratification cannot
    alter the allocation of authority and responsibility under the
    Constitution, for both the Congress and the President.
        I am grateful to Majority Leader Lott,
    Minority Leader Daschle, and Senators
    Helms, Biden,
    Leahy, and the many others who have
    assisted in this ratification effort. It is clear that the practical
    result of our work together on the Protocol will well serve the critical
    humanitarian interest of protecting civilians from the dangers posed to
    them by landmines, as well as the imperative requirements of ensuring
    the safety and effectiveness of U.S. military forces. In this spirit, I
    express my hope that the Protocol will lead to further sound advances in
    the development of the international law of armed conflict.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    The White House,

    May 24, 1999.