The United States has registered to send a delegation to the upcoming review conference of the Mine Ban Treaty in Cartagena. The world power has been a notable absence from the agreement between nations to disarm the dangerous weapon, and this delegation could be a favorable bellwether.
The news is encouraging to campaigners, who predict that US involvement will reinvigorate international interest in the mine ban movement.
“If the U.S. joins, we’re sure there will be a domino effect on others to follow. It will be a big signal to other major powers,” the ICBL’s Jacqueline Hansen said.
In addition to the United States, China, India, Pakistan and Russia and 34 others countries have not signed the treaty.
Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images
November 17, 2009, 5:20pm Comments
