SPEECH BY
His Excellency Sok An Senior Minister, Minister in charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers and Vice-President of Cambodian Mine Acton and Victim Assistance Authority
at the Dinner Reception offered in honor of Delegations attending
the Regional Seminar on
“Building a Cooperative Future for Mine Action in South-East Asia”
-Excellency Ms.Dominique Ait Ouyahia-McAdams, UN Resident Coordinator on behalf of the UN Secretary-General
-Excellency Mr. Jean Lint, President of 4th Meeting of the State Parties to Ottawa Convention
-Excellency Mr. Enrique Rolan-Morey, Deputy Secretary General of the Conference for Disarmament of the UN in Geneva
-Excellencies Ambassadors, Ladies and Gentlemen,
In welcoming Your Excellencies and distinguished participants attending, the Seminar on Building a Cooperative Future for Mine Action in South-East Asia, tonight I wish to convey the highest appreciation of the government and people of Cambodia to all of you who have spared time to participate in this important meeting. May I also take this opportunity to express our thanks to all stakeholders who support the efforts made by the Governments of mine-affected countries, particularly the Government and people of Cambodia.
As a result of conflict lasting over 30 years, Cambodia has become one of the most land mine-affected countries in the world. Even though we have gained full peace all over the country, safety and security remain a concern for those who live in land mine areas where their daily lives are threatened. Furthermore, land mines obstruct our efforts to reduce poverty and to promote economic development. The Cambodian Government with the support from the international community and non-govermnental organizations is committed to intensifying its efforts to clear land mines above all to ensure the safety of those who live surrounding the land mine areas.
Drawing from its own lessons as a mine-affected country, Cambodia wishes to see the effective implementation of the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty which prohibits the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of anti-personnel mines. It is our sincere hope that all of the world’s nations, both mine-affected and mine producing countries, will promote universal adherence to this treaty.
Let me pay tribute here to the initiative and courage of thousands of ordinary people in many countries of the world who took up the challenge to convince their governments to change their policies and sign the treaty. We earnestly hope that all countries of the world will soon join with the other state parties to put an end to this terrible scourge of war which brings such suffering to innocent people for years and years after the end of the conflict.
Some of my colleagues have already provided you full information on the consequences caused by land mine accidents and the efforts made by the Royal Government of Cambodia, including our long-term strategic vision; Here I would like to draw your attention to the importance of today’s seminar as follows:
-The seminar received a message from the Secretary-General of the United Nations supporting the topic of Building a Cooperative Future for Mine Action, intended to find ways to ban mines throughout the world, by sharing various views from representatives of the different countries.
-This seminar is not only a further significant step toward a world free of anti-personnel mines, but also contributes to the process of building good partnerships between mine-affected countries and donor countries supporting mine clearance and all service providers including NG0s.
-In this morning’s statement, the Prime Minister not only discussed technical matters, but also gave strong political support to our work.
-Cambodia has many years’ experience in mine clearance. In this regard, we are ready to share our experiences and know-how with bilateral or multilateral cooperation.
Once again, I would like to express my congratulations for the fruitful discussion today.
Excellencies, distinguished participants, Ladies and Gentlemen,
May I now invite you to join me in a toast.
- to the success of our seminar
- to your good health and happiness and
- to the end of the land mines forever !