The
Kingdom of Tonga has not acceded to the Mine Ban Treaty, but in March 2001 a
government representative told Landmine Monitor, “The Prime Minister has
initiated a process to accede to the treaty and fully supports the ban on
antipersonnel mines.”[1]
It is not known if any steps have been taken toward accession since then. Tonga
voted in favor of UN General Assembly Resolution 56/24M in November 2001,
calling for universalization of the Mine Ban Treaty. In August 2001, a
government representative confirmed to Landmine Monitor that Tonga has never
produced, transferred, or stockpiled antipersonnel
mines.[2]
[1] Interview with Suka Mangisi, Legal
Officer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tonga, Wellington, 27 March
2001. [2] Fax to Neil Mander, Convenor,
New Zealand Campaign Against Landmines, from Falekava Kupu on behalf of the
Acting Chief Secretary and Secretary for Cabinet, Prime Minister's Office,
Nuku'alofa, dated 14 August 2001.
