Media and embassies briefed about the Nairobi Summit

(Thursday 15 July 2004 Nairobi, Kenya) The ICBL took part in two background briefings about the Nairobi Summit on a Mine-Free World, the first Review Conference of the Mine Ban Treaty, for the Nairobi-based media and diplomatic community on 6 July.

The events, held at the Intercontinental hotel in the Kenyan capital, were hosted by the Embassy of Austria in Kenya on behalf of Summit President-Designate, Ambassador Petritsch and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kenya.

Media briefing
Liz Bernstein spoke on behalf of the ICBL together with Mereso Agina from the Kenyan Coalition Against Landmines. Both talked about the campaign's expectation and role at the Summit and outlined the range of opportunities that the Summit would present for the media. Two other speakers at the briefing were Michael Oyugi of the Kenyan foreign ministry and Kerry Brinkert of the Implementation Support Unit. About 24 national and international media sources attended and articles were carried by the Daily Nation, the Nation and Xinhua news agency.

Diplomatic briefing
About 45 representatives from embassies and international organizations attended the diplomatic session. The above four speakers provided background on the Summit and underlined expectations that the State Parties to the treaty would send high level representation to the Summit and be fully involved in preparation activities, including providing input on draft documents by 15 July.

The events succeeded in raising awareness and generating interest in the forthcoming Summit scheduled for 29 November to 3 December 2004.