5MSP Daily Update 1

(Monday 15 September 2003 Bangkok, Thailand) Monday 15 September 2003, Opening and General Exchange of Views

Full reports and statements:

• Jody Williams’ speech
• Official report on today’s proceedings
• ICBL press statement for opening

Her Majesty, Princess of Thailand opens the Fifth Meeting of States Parties to the Mine Ban Treaty in Bangkok, Thailand on 15 September 2003. Photo: Damir Atikovic

Landmine survivors from Thailand and Cambodia gave flowers to each delegate as they entered the conference hall for the opening ceremony.

The opening ceremony was followed by a press conference addressed by Mr Sukakiart Sathirathai (Thailand’s Foreign Minister), Ambassador Jean Lint of Belgium (outgoing President of the Fourth Meeting of States Parties), Peter Herby (International Committee of the Red Cross) and Jody Williams (for the ICBL). Jody Williams introduced her comments given during her statement at the afternoon session noting “one of the hallmarks of the Mine Ban Treaty is the Ottawa Process – that alternative model of a new diplomacy – is also currently under threat. Because it is being threatened, in my view it is even more important that we redouble our efforts to make certain that the tremendous progress we have seen already in the short life of this international treaty continues unabated.”

In the afternoon, there were speeches by Ambassador Jean Lint of Belgium and the United Nations Secretary-General amongst others, followed by discussion and agreement on the procedure for the meeting. Then eight States Parties made statements in a General Exchange of Views that will continue on Tuesday and Wednesday morning.

Key messages from the day:

• The importance of the Review Conference in 2004;
• Demonstrating to non-States Parties the benefits of the Mine Ban Treaty and urging them to join;
• The integration of mine action plans with development plans;
• Remembering the victims, including children.

Highlights for the ICBL:

• The conference was opened by Princess Galyani of Thailand and Princess Astrid of Belgium, showing the recognition given to the treaty;
• Speakers emphasised the progress made: that now two thirds of the world’s nations have joined the convention;
• Many also noted the importance of the intersessional programme and of the ICBL’s Landmine Monitor.

Areas of concern for the ICBL:

• It was pointed out that current funding for mine action and victim assistance does not allow us to meet the needs in these areas;
• Much work is needed in Asia-Pacific, particularly on universalising the treaty;
• The lack of shared understanding on some aspects of the Convention, such as Articles 1 and 2.

Quote of the day:

“Human beings after all are at the heart of the movement to eradicate the scourge of landmines,” Jody Williams