While
UNICEF reported in March 2000 that legislation to accede to the 1997 Mine Ban
Treaty had been introduced in the Republic of Palau's House of Representatives,
no developments are believed to have taken place on accession since that
time.[1] Palau was absent from
the vote on UN General Assembly Resolution 56/24M in November 2001, as it was on
similar pro-ban resolutions in previous years. One possible reason for the lack
of accession could be the close economic, political and military dependence
between Palau and the United States, a non-signatory, as defined by the Compact
of Free Association. It is believed that Palau has never produced, transferred,
stockpiled, or used antipersonnel landmines. While the islands were the scene
of fierce fighting during World War II, Palau is not believed to be
mine-affected.
