- Sep 2, 2008
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AFP: US senators send letter to Obama urging landmine ban
Very interesting to say the least, thoughts?
WASHINGTON Two out of three US Senators sent a letter to President Barack Obama urging him to work toward the ratification of the 1997 treaty banning anti-personnel landmines, the Senate said Wednesday.
Signed by 68 senators, including 10 Republicans, the letter supports the Obama administration's ongoing review of US policy on landmines and is the first indication the Senate is in favor of ratifying the treaty, which the US refuses to sign.
Significantly, it represents one more than the 67 votes needed for ratification, however, the senators in their letter make no firm commitment on a vote.
The key US objection to signing the treaty was the Pentagon's concern it might need anti-personnel landmines to slow a possible invasion of South Korea by its communist neighbor, North Korea.
Leahy pointed out that the US military no longer uses landmines in the Korean peninsula.
The Ottawa Convention banning the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of anti-personnel mines as well as their destruction was signed by 158 nations, including several US allies.
Besides the United States, China and Russia have also declined to join the treaty.
Very interesting to say the least, thoughts?