(19 Nov 07 – RV) Pope Benedict yesterday called for a total global ban on the use
of landmines, giving his support to a conference of nations that have banned landmines
which opens in Jordan yesterday.
Eighty percent of states have signed the 1997
convention banning antipersonnel mines. However, the United States, China and Russia
are among 38 nations that have not signed the Ottawa treaty, which was the first
global accord against landmines.
Steve Goose is the head of the delegation
of the International Campaign to ban landmines. He said the support of the Holy See
has been crucial in achieving their aims.