Federation of American Scientists
Arms Sales Monitoring Project
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 12 1997
Contact: Jeff Donarski
Phone: (202) 675-1016

The Federation of American Scientists supports an immediate international ban on the production, distribution, and use of anti-personnel landmines.

Approximately 100 million landmines currently litter more than 60 countries. Long after the fighting has stopped, landmines continue killing and maiming civilians. The U.S. State Department estimates that these mines cause 500 deaths or injuries per week, primarily to civilians and often to children. Not only are these injuries tragic personal losses to the families involved, but they are also economically and psychologically devastating. Farming, commerce, development, travel and play are all hindered by these cruel and indiscriminate weapons.

"While the Clinton Administration stated its support for an immediate ban on landmines over a year ago, it could be doing more to achieve this goal," according to Jeff Donarski, of the Federation's Arms Sales Monitoring Project. "In particular, President Clinton could reverse his decision to negotiate a ban through the UN Conference on Disarmament, a "go slow" approach, given that the Conference has not yet agreed to put landmines on its agenda." Instead, the White House should throw its support behind Canada's fast-track negotiation --- to be completed by December of this year.

Two Congressional initiatives unveiled today demonstrate overwhelming bipartisan support for the Canadian negotiation, which currently has the support of more than 70 governments. The Federation supports legislation introduced today by Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Chuck Hagel (R-NE), which would ban permanently the use of antipersonnel landmines by U.S. forces. We believe that this measure demonstrates progress toward the stated U.S. government goal.

The Federation of American Scientists is a public interest organization of natural and social scientists and engineers dedicated to the responsible use of science and technology. FAS is one of the more than 700 civic organizations that have banded together in the International Campaign to Ban Landmines.

We urge the United States government and the international community to save hundreds of thousands of innocent lives, and ban the export and use of antipersonnel landmines in the fastest manner possible.