By KUNA
Brussels : The European Union called Friday for a world free of anti-personnel and said this ambitious target can be achieved if all states demonstrate the necessary determination and unite their efforts towards this end. The EU appealed to countries which have not yet acceded to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction, to do so as soon as possible, and join in the efforts to permanently eliminate anti-personnel landmines.
The current Slovenian Presidency issued a statement today on the subject to mark International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action.
The statement voiced EUs deep concern about the tremendous humanitarian and development challenges still posed by anti-personnel mines and unexploded ordnance. These devices continue to kill people and constitute an obstacle to the return of refugees and other displaced persons, humanitarian aid operations, reconstruction and economic development.
Over the last 10 years, the EU has provided 1.5 billion euro in financial support to mine action worldwide.