President of the Fourth Meeting of States Parties—Ambassador Jean Lint

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Amb. Lint began his presentation by commending Peru for being one of the first parties to sign the Ottawa Convention in 1998 and become a member state in March of 1999. He also commended Canada for its leading role in the convention and the political, humanitarian and financial resources they have committed to the implementation and universalization of the convention. Amb. Lint also recognized Nicaragua for the competent way they held the third meeting of States Parties and their efforts in urging the signatories of the convention to ratify.

Amb. Lint went on to note that this seminar would act as an informal, regional preparatory meeting for the Convention's first review conference in 2004. With this goal set, Amb. Lint went on to update the conference participants on what the Americas have achieved since the first meeting of states parties in September 2002. Amb. Lint focused this update on the priorities of the convention which includes clearance, destruction of stockpiled mines, victim assistance and universal ratification of the Convention.

In the area of mine clearance: Forty-five states parties are considered affected. Amb. Lint urged that in order to meet the 10 year time frame set by the convention, member states must try to understand the complexity of the mine clearance problem. In the area of destruction of stockpiled mines: 2003 was the first year that states parties were required to comply with the convention deadline for destroying existing stockpiles. The compliance rate has been impressive; all state parties have met the deadline. By destroying the stockpiles states parties have clearly demonstrated that their militaries can fulfill their obligations with out the use of AP mines. In the area of victim assistance: Although the responsibility ultimately rests with the affected state, 40 states parties may need assistance in care, rehabilitation and socioeconomic reintegration. This challenge has been compounded by the fact that the countries with the greatest number of mine victims are also among the worlds poorest. In the area of universalization: One hundred thirty-five states have accepted the convention. In the hemisphere, Haiti is left to ratify, and the U.S. and Cuba are left to sign and ratify the convention. Exchanging information and resource mobilization will facilitate the achievement of these goals. Interaction between states, NGOs and international regional organizations such as ICBL and the ICRC is an excellent way to keep information flowing. This year leading up to the first review conference of mine affected states it is fundamental that states share information about their problems, national plans, progress and priorities. To more effectively mobilize resources, it is important that financial support continues to be given by states parties that are in a position to do so, but it is equally important for affected states parties to take full responsibility by integrating mine action into their national development policy.

At the first review conference held in 2004, we will assess the progress made, draw conclusions related to implementation of the convention and make a high level, political decision about our commitment to the declaration in years to come.