12th anniversary of the 1999 entry into force of the Mine Ban Treaty

Strong quote from Lynn Bradach, Ban Advocate, the United States of America

It is now 2011, the Landmine Treaty of 1997 went into force on March 1, 1999 and the US is now in the process of reviewing its policy. I ask with all that has happened in the last 12 years how can we be so far behind in joining a treaty that bans the use of a weapon that has proven to harm innocent civilians decades after a war is over. A weapon that US itself has chosen not to use for the last 19 years.

There is a great deal of unrest in the world at this time. I believe that a strong sign of peace not just words of peace are needed from this administration. The act of joining this Treaty would be a powerful statement for peace. Therefore I ask Barack Obama and his administration to not let another anniversary go by without the United States as a signatory. I truly believe that this is what a winner of the Nobel Peace Prize would choose to do.

Lynn Bradach