Italian presidency of the EU undertakes to promote mine ban

In a letter sent to the Italian Campaign to Ban Landmines by Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Senator Alfredo Luigi Mantica, the Italian government has revealed its plans for action on mine-related issues during the 6-months presidency of the EU which started on 1 July.

The letter followed an appeal by the Italian Campaign to Ban Landmines - also endorsed by the ICBL and a number of other national campaigns - urging Italy to take advantage of its privileged position as president of the EU to promote with yet renewed impetus the landmine ban and efforts to alleviate the humanitarian consequences of mine use.

Universalization of the Ottawa Convention is indicated as the main goal for the Presidency's action in this field, and action to achieve this will be two-pronged. At the European level, universalization was highlighted as one of Italy's political priorities in the context of the Common Foreign and Security Policy and the Presidency has already invited all EU members and accession countries that still haven't joined to do so at the earliest opportunity. At the international level, Italy is planning to undertake a series of diplomatic demarches on behalf of the EU with all 47 non-signatories, ahead of the 5th Meeting of State Parties in Bangkok.

The Italian Presidency has also undertaken to request periodical updates from the European Commission on the advancement of projects funded by the EU - which has allocated 16.5 million euros for mine action and victim assistance in 2003 - and to advocate in all the relevant forums for adequate assistance to mine affected countries.

Finally Italy will seek to facilitate compliance with Treaty obligations by State parties and to promote the engagement of Non-State Actors in the mine ban process.