One Minute Speech: Mine Clearance

Speech by Liz Lynne on Wed 31st Jan 2007

Mr President, I would like to raise the issue of mine clearance. I have very severe concerns about the continuing funding for this all-important issue from the European Union. Although there are some good aspects of mainstreaming of the anti-personnel landmine budget line, if the national authorising officer does not include funding for humanitarian disarmament - which includes clearance of cluster munitions and landmines - in their country's strategy paper, then after December this year funds for these life-saving operations funded by the EU could cease. This would have a severe impact on a variety of development programmes in particular countries.

I call on the President to put pressure on the Commission to look into the detail of the possible consequences, which will include the loss of life through uncleared landmines and cluster munitions.