I commend you for your hard work and dedication on the landmines issue. Your informative and well-designed website communicates and clearly demonstrates your commitment to participating in the campaign towards a global ban on anti-personnel ( AP ) landmines. Congratulations.

The goal of a ban on anti-personnel mines was considered unrealistic two years ago, but in Ottawa, in December 1997, Canada made it a reality when we witnessed the historic signing of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction. This great achievement was made possible because of a unique coalition of governments, international groups, and interested individuals - like yourselves. Thank you for your commitment.

What lies beyond? As you correctly point out, the Treaty is only the beginning of our work to ensure that we live in a mine-free world. Non-signatory states need to accede to the Convention and signatory countries need to ratify. We must continue to promote universal acceptance of and compliance with the Treaty and its provisions, and to assist mine-affected countries in developing their own mine action programs. We must not let up on our tireless effort to inform, mobilize and take action.

I wish you all the best for continued success in your endeavours and look forward to following your work.