Parallel Panel Presentations and Discussions

Panel One - Building Political Will.

Role of Parliamentarians

NANA DEVDARIANI, Chairman of the Union "Georgian Women for Elections", Georgia

Ms. Devdariani reported that since Georgia's proclamation of independence, the military bases of the former USSR, which were located on its territory, gradually began to slip away from control: the level of discipline fell sharply, and the personnel began to sell arms to the local population and to the military formations which sprang up naturally. The latter, in turn, began attacking military units and capturing arms and ammunition. The sites where the military units are located are mined, yet, as a rule, the number and the positions of mines are not indicated precisely. Cases of fatalities during mine-clearance are frequent. Large areas were mined during military operations in the conflict zones (Abkhazia, formerly Southern Osetia). However, there are no accurate maps of the minefields since the mine-laying was often done haphazardly, during retreat, and those who did the mine-laying, or had visual information, are dead. In a number of cases the mine-laying was done by people who had no connection to the regular military forces, and this also complicates the search for and the clearing of mines.

Ms. Devdariani stated that the population of Georgia has no information on either AP mines and how they work or on the international movement against this weapon. There are no statistics on the number of mine incidents. According to official figures, four sappers have suffered fatalities during mine clearance, and only one child. According to the Resolution of May 22, 1993, "On Measures of Material Incentives for Sappers during the Performance of their Duties in the Search for and Disarmament and Destruction of Dangerous Explosive Objects," ratified by the President of Georgia, an order was signed by the Minister of Defense of Georgia on April 7, 1997, on the establishment of a permanent commission with the aim of setting measures for material assistance to the families of the sappers who had lost their lives. In other words, only four years after the end of military operations, very modest material and technological resources were allocated for the clearance of mines, and the priority remains to provide posthumous material assistance to the families of sappers who lose their lives.

In August 1996, engineers and sappers of the Georgian forces began working on clearing mines from the site of the former ammunition depot of the Russian army at the village ofOsiauri, in the Central Region of Georgia, near the major rail junction at Hashuri. Literally within a week. Private L. Lomia was injured and lost his sight during mine clearance operations. He received material assistance which was scarcely sufficient to cover his medical costs. At the same place, at Osiauri, work was performed between August and November, on positions not indicated in the formula handed over by the Russian side. Twenty six AP mines of type PMN-2 were discovered. During a check-up of the perimeter of the site, 43 PFM-1S were detected and disarmed. Another 69 AP mines were detected during mine clearance. And earlier, in 1995, 891 mines (849 PFMs and 42 PMN-2s) were detected.

Altogether, 960 AP mines have been disarmed in Osiauri. According to the formula handed over by the Russian side, 372 PFM-1 mines and 33 PMN-2 mines, total of 405, had been laid at the site of the base. It is not difficult to imagine the state of affairs in the combat zones, where a similar discrepancy can be observed in the part officially handed over to the Georgian side.

The detection of mines is complicated also by the fact that the mines are dug in quite deeply, and the Georgian Armed Forces do not possess highly sensitive detection devices. Apart from this, vegetation has grown over the last few years in the areas thought to have been mined, which makes mine detection with standard mine detectors ineffective. Special technology, which the sappers do not have, is needed. It comes as no surprise that two more sappers working manually were injured during the mine clearance at Osiauri. In July 1997, the local inhabitants of Mameuli, in Eastern Georgia, gathered together for a meeting outside the Russian military base, the approaches to which proved to be mined. The reason for this was the tragedy in which a child had his hand blown-off by a mine.

Ms. Devdariani concluded by stating that the union of non-governmental women's organizations of Georgia, the "Women of Georgia for Elections," intends to start a national campaign for banning AP mines, and to appeal to the President and parliament for support, with the aim of joining the Ottawa Convention.

Role of Pro-Ban Governments

"Towards a Total Ban Convention on Anti-Personnel Mines: The Role of Austria" GERHARD DOUJAK, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Austria

Mr. Doujak outlined the main reasons and forces that urged Austria to take the lead in the Ottawa process and to play the key role in the creation of the Ottawa Convention.

He argued that the limited progress of the review of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) (1995-6) fostered Austria's conviction that a specific convention banning anti-personnel (AP) mines was needed. Deeply concerned with the immense human suffering caused by AP mines, and already pursuing a total ban on this weapon, Austria welcomed the Canadian initiative to start a process leading to the early conclusion of a total ban convention, and participated actively in the Ottawa conference in October 1996. As Austria was already working on a first draft of a convention, Canadian Foreign Minister Lloyd Axworthy gave Austria the task of elaborating a draft, and included this project in a plan of action.

Mr. Doujak noted that Austria's full political commitment to ban and destroy AP mines at the national level (conclusion of destruction of AP mines in 1995 and adoption of law prohibiting AP mines in 1996), as well as the Austrian contributions to mine clearance, reinforced the credibility of the country's undertaking for the convention on the international level. Also, the urgency of the task led to the development of a specific preparatory framework. Contrary to the normal procedure for negotiating a treaty, which is long and complicated, the urgency of the landmines crisis drove Austria to undertake the preparation of a draft convention with the intention to save time and provide the diplomatic conference in Oslo in September 1997 with an advanced basis for the negotiations. Indeed, guided by the principle of developing a text which was based on the principles of international humanitarian law, but was also short, clear and without any loopholes, the first version of the Austrian draft had only 13 articles, which set out a total ban in a very concise manner.

Mr. Doujak also addressed the three major challenges that Austria faced upon the completion of the first draft, namely, seeking the broadest possible support for the text at the international level, getting States to comment on the text, and incorporating their suggestions without putting the integrity of the draft treaty text at risk. They began with a bilateral process of instructing all Austrian embassies to forward the text to their host states and to request comments and proposals for improvements from them. Yet, while the general response to their requests was indeed positive, it was also clear that the bilateral track had its limits. Hence, a series of international meetings and conferences began (Vienna Conference on 12-14 February 1997, Bonn Conference on 24-25 April 1997), involving the UN, governments, the ICRC and the ICBL, during which the Austrian draft treaty was carefully examined, analyzed, and reworked. The final (third) version of the Austrian draft was agreed upon at a meeting of Core Group States held in April 1997, and it reflected the collective effort of approximately 70 states, the UN, the ICRC and the ICBL.

Further discussions on the main elements of the draft convention took place at the Brussels Conference on 24-27 June 1997, where further support for the Austrian draft was built. Finally, at the beginning of the Oslo Diplomatic Conference in September 1997 the Austrian draft was adopted as the basic proposal for negotiation. While the text enjoyed considerable support, amendments were made, and the conference adopted more detailed and concise language on important articles, such as the provisions on destruction ofAP mines, international assistance and cooperation and compliance.

Mr. Doujak concluded by stating that the "final product, the real treaty, fulfilled the hopes of Austria and the Core Group, as the integrity of the convention � a total ban without any loopholes � had been successfully defended."

"Hungary's Road to a Total Ban on Antipersonnel Mines" DR. LASZLO DEAK, First Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hungary

Mr. Deak commenced his presentation by noting that on February 24, 1998 Hungary became the eighth country in the world, and the third country in Europe, to ratify the Ottawa Convention. Deciding to ratify the convention was a relatively "easy task" for his country's government and parliament, since their support for a total ban on anti-personnel mines had been powerfully expressed by several previous actions, namely, the adoption of a package of unilateral measures with regard to the issue of AP mines, as well as the ratification of Protocol II of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW). He also confirmed that by depositing the 20th instrument of ratification, the Republic of Hungary has triggered the entry into force of Additional Protocol IV of the same Convention stipulating a ban on blinding laser weapons.

Mr. Deak said that taking these bold steps was a direct result of the government and the National Assembly's success in reassuring the military establishment and Hungary's allies that the defense needs of the country would not be seriously compromised by ridding the military arsenal of AP mines. The recognition that the humanitarian disaster caused by these weapons far outweighed their military utility was a sufficient argument.

However, Mr. Deak argued that Hungary's work "is far from done," noting that several of the major traditional producers and users of AP mines are not yet in a position to sign or ratify the existing legally binding documents. Hence, Hungary is committed to ensure that these countries become engaged in the landmines issue, rather than alienated from the cause, by promoting the Conference on Disarmament (CD) as complementary to the stipulations of the Amended Protocol II and the Ottawa Convention. His country has pledged to promote further discussions on the issue "at all relevant multinational negotiating fora," in order to advance the cause of a universal ban.

Mr. Deak went on to discuss the ICBL regional conference that took place on March 26-28, 1998 in Budapest, Hungary, and that was hosted by his government and the National Assembly. Attended by foreign and defense ministers, experts, activists, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from 19 countries of Central and Eastern Europe, the conference provided the opportunity to promote a regional approach to the efforts to eliminate AP mines. According to Mr. Deak, the conference's most important achievement was that it proved that "these countries can and are willing to sit down to discuss topics of great importance to them and the entire world community," despite their outstanding and unresolved differences. The open and honest exchange of ideas about non-proliferation, arms control and disarmament measures, will greatly contribute to deepening trust and transparency and bringing lasting peace and stability to the region.

Mr. Deak concluded his remarks on a positive and hopeful note regarding the role of diplomats:

"Together we have proven that diplomacy is not to float helplessly on the tide of tragic developments;

rather, its mission is to chart the direction of events and herald them in line with the commonly shared values of humanity."

"South Africa's Role in Building Political Will" SIPHO MAKANA, South Africa's Ambassador to the Russian Federation

Mr. Makana began his address by pointing out that although South Africa has, undoubtedly, played a leading role in the global efforts to secure a total ban on landmines, it has not been alone; rather, it has worked closely in partnership with other governments, the ICBL and the South African Campaign to Ban Landmines on a national, regional and international basis within the Ottawa process. Positioned in a region which continues to experience the "havoc" caused by AP mines, and, hence, fully aware of the physical, psychological and economic damage that landmines inflict on society, the policy position of the South African government against landmines has been clearly spelled out in numerous separate and joint statements, inter alia by the Ministers of Defense and Foreign Affairs. Moreover, their position has been in line with the objectives of the OAU and its resolution on AP mines.

Mr. Makana noted that despite the fact that South Africa is a "young democracy," it never hesitated to shoulder its responsibility on this issue. Soon after the successful conclusion of their country's first democratic elections in 1994, the South African government placed a moratorium on the marketing, export and transfer of all types of landmines. A year later. South Africa announced its accession to Protocol II of the CCW, and in 1996 it banned the export of all types of landmines and suspended the operational use of AP mines. During the Oslo conference in 1997, which was chaired by Ambassador Selebi, South Africa's permanent representative to the UN, South Africa helped negotiate the Convention banning the production, transfer, stockpiling and use of AP mines. During the same year, his country announced a prohibition on AP mines, and commenced the destruction of stockpiled AP mines. Finally, in December 1997, during the Ottawa Conference, South Africa signed the Mine Ban Treaty.

Ambassador Makana concluded by arguing that discussions on the issue of landmines must not be confined to one region or continent. Landmines affect mankind as a whole, and therefore "in every village, in every region, in every country, voices should unite in protest against this scourge of humanity." He also underlined the heavy responsibility that lies with the more developed countries that have a bigger capacity to produce these deadly weapons to put a halt on production, export and use of AP mines.

Question-Answer

Vladimir Lupan, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Moldova:

Why are Russian landmines deployed in Tajikistan? Is the latter Russian territory?

Boris Schiborin, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Russia:

There is a contingent of joint CIS peace-keeping forces which, in accordance with the sovereign Tajik government, carries out the guarding of the Tajik-Afghan border. This border proves to be one of the "hottest" in the world. Now and then there are attempts to transport through this border not only caravans with weapons and narcotics, but also groups of armed extremists who destabilize the political situation in the country. The border is guarded by units from a number of CIS states. The Russian unit secures one of the most dangerous parts of the border and uses landmines to deter attempts at illegal trespassing.

Lupan:

Is Russia going to clear away deployed landmines after its border guards are withdrawn Sum Tajikistan?

Schiborin:

This will be decided by the Tajik government. All minefields were deployed in compliance with Protocol II.

(6.1.5.1. Left to right: Laszlo Deak, Foreign Ministry, Hungary; Susan Walker, Handicap International, USA; Kurt Hanevik, IPPNW-Norway)

(6.1.5.2. Peter Herby, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC); Stephen Goose, HRW; Jody Williams, ICBL)

Panel Two - Creating and Strengthening a Campaign

Finland and Nordic-Eastern Regional Cooperation to Ban Landmines" LAURA LODENIUS, Peace Union of Finland/Finnish Campaign to Ban Landmines

Ms. Lodenius commenced by giving a brief summary of the history of the Peace Union of Finland, one of the many NGOs that are part of the Finnish Campaign to Ban Landmines. Founded during the time when Finland was still part of Russia, the Peace Union of Finland is one of the oldest peace organizations in the country. It became involved in the landmines campaign two years ago, joining a wide range of organizations such as the Red Cross, UNICEF, handicap organizations, development groups and peace organizations to work on what is, essentially, a "humanitarian" issue. This coalition managed to bring together politicians from different parties, and combined the efforts of people working on both the grassroots and the political levels.

Ms. Lodenius noted that the Finnish Campaign was able to overcome the ignorance and apathy of the general public on the landmines issue in two ways: by educating and by lobbying. The Campaign educated the Finnish people by creating and distributing widely leaflets and pictures, by showing documentary films on TV and by telling stories from mine-affected countries. Moreover, the Campaign organized demonstrations, signed petitions, collected names of famous people supporting the ban and published them in the main Finnish newspaper, created badges and exhibitions, traveled around the country, and communicated closely with civil servants in the administration.

Despite the fact that Finland remains the sole EU country that has not signed the Mine Ban Treaty, the Campaign has brought about and witnessed a gradual change in the government's stance: rather than arguing that Finland will never sign the treaty, as it did initially, the government now has promised to sign in the future, once the military budget is extended in order to invest in alternatives to land mines. Ms. Lodenius attributed the lack of success of the Finnish Campaign, when compared with other European campaigns, to the fact that the landmines issue is still viewed in Finland as a military, rather than as a humanitarian issue. Moreover, there is a lack of a tradition of public opinion affecting national security and military matters.

Ms. Lodenius concluded by arguing for regional cooperation between the Nordic countries, the Baltic States, Russia, the CIS, and states of the former Soviet Union, in order to press countries into signing and ratifying the treaty; such cooperation would launch a "trust-building process."

"Building a Regional Campaign - Africa" DR. WALTER ODHIAMBO, IPPNW-Kenya, Kenya Coalition Against Landmines

As a representative from the most heavily mined continent in the world. Dr. Odhiambo highlighted some of the problems being experienced by landmines campaigns in Africa:

(1) Political will: Unlike in established democracies, where public opinion often influences decision-making, Dr. Odhiambo argued that in many African countries the lack of pluralism and the general atmosphere of "political suspicion" hinder efforts at public lobbying. Therefore, only the collective approach of coalitions of NGOs rather than individual groups, along with pressure from bilateral and multilateral donor agencies, can be effective in influencing political leaders.

(2) Other urgent problems: Numerous African nations are plagued by wars, disease and poverty � all problems with which the landmines issue must compete for both resources and media attention. There is a need to bring into the campaign "high profile ambassadors" like the late Princess Diana, in order to draw attention to the issue.

(3) Access to crisis areas: Poor infrastructure and crudely developed information exchange systems make it difficult to reach mine victims in Africa. Active conflicts, as in Uganda, are a hindrance to immediate victim assistance. Moreover, networking and communication are further slowed by language barriers that make landmine awareness campaigns both difficult and expensive.

(4) Lack of skilled manpower: Dr. Odhiambo noted that there is a lack of individuals trained in appropriate skills, as well as properly equipped premises from which to coordinate activities. Hence, most campaigners in Africa work part-time, since their work is 100% voluntary.

(5) Emergency care: Since most of the affected populations are civilians who live in remote rural villages far from medical facilities, there is an urgent need to train the affected communities in emergency care. According to Dr. Odhiambo, "improved emergency care will lead to a reduction in the lethality of landmines."

(6) Financial resources: Finally, Dr. Odhiambo argued that the lack of resources is a chronic problem for the African campaigns. He urged everyone to think of the cost-effectiveness of conferences, in relation to the money going directly to the ground. He also noted that mine-affected communities are often forced to adjust their programs in order to suit the interests of donors, which are often rigid and specific.

Dr. Odhiambo concluded his presentation by making an appeal to develop strategies for victim assistance, sensitive to the unique needs of the affected communities.

"Building a Regional Campaign - Asia-Pacific" JOHN HEAD, New Zealand Campaign Against Landmines

Mr. Head focused his presentation on two elements of the New Zealand campaign: gaining the confidence and support of the Armed Services, and working with politicians. In 1993, the newly established Campaign Against Land Mines (CALM) met with New Zealand's Chief of General Staff, Major Piers Reid. While Major Reid declared that he would not support a ban on landmines, he did give them a sympathetic hearing. The campaign also made regular contacts with the engineers responsible for training humanitarian demining around the world, and the New Zealand Returned Service Association. The campaign kept these contacts informed, continued its efforts to recruit retired service personnel, and hence, slowly began to gain the confidence of the military.

Parallel to the efforts on the military sphere, CALM tried to influence politicians and government officials. In 1993, CALM approached the Minister of Foreign Affairs, who was not unsympathetic to their cause, yet believed that a total ban on landmines was unrealistic. However, when OXFAM's Phil Twyford brought two mine injured Cambodians to New Zealand to meet with political leaders, they in turn pressured the Prime Minister to change the policy. Indeed, New Zealand announced its support for an international ban at the CCW meeting in Geneva in 1996. The campaign's next step was to get the government to ban the use of landmines by the Army. This was achieved by the preparation of a Private Members Bill, which was presented in Parliament, and by meeting with the Minister for Disarmament. Eventually, the Ministers of Defense and Disarmament in a Joint Ministerial Statement "renounced the operational use of AP mines."

Mr. Head concluded by arguing that in a democracy, governments are responsive to well reasoned approaches by NGOs.

"Mobilizing Resources" ANN PETERS, Director, Landmines Project, The Open Society Institute, USA

Ms. Peters spoke about the Landmines Project of the Open Society Institute (OSI), a grantmaking program launched in 1997 to support efforts toward a comprehensive, worldwide ban on landmines. The OSI, which is based in New York, is part of an informal network of more than 24 autonomous nonprofit foundations and organizations created and funded by philanthropist George Soros in Central and Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union, Mongolia, Haiti, South Africa, and the US.

While the Landmines Project seeks proposals from organizations for projects on public awareness and education, and provides grants for general support and specific program needs, it does not provide funds for mine clearance, mine detection and clearance technology development, medical assistance or rehabilitation. The Landmines Project tends to divide its grantmaking among NGOs experienced in dealing with landmines, organizations newer to the issue, and special projects, such as programs promoting dialogue between NGOs, governments and defense communities, and programs involving non-state actors and non-state military forces.

Ms. Peters noted that in 1997 the Landmines Project provided nearly $1.2 million to NGOs either in � or with projects in � Africa, Asia, Europe, Australia, the US and Canada, as well as to founding members of the ICBL such as the Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation, Handicap International, Human Rights Watch, Mines Advisory Group and Physicians for Human Rights. Examples of programs supported by the Landmines Project included a media workshop in Senegal to raise awareness on landmines and develop technical skills in the field of reporting, a program by the Centre for Defense Studies at King's College in London to establish a dialogue between military sectors in India, Pakistan and neighboring countries, and a project by NGOs in South Africa, Colombia and the Philippines to investigate support for a ban among non-state actors and non-state military forces, and to educate them on international law regarding landmines. She emphasized that regional work is particularly important for the Landmines Project. In 1997, it funded seminars and workshops in South Africa focusing on Africa, in Australia focusing on the Asia-Pacific region, in Sweden focusing on Central and Eastern Europe and the Baltic States, and in Yemen focusing on the Middle East.

(6.2.6.1. Left to right: Liz Bernstein, ICBL; Marianne Holtz, Landmines Survivors Network, USA; Faiz Mohammad, Mine Clearance Planning Agency, Afghanistan)

(6.2.6.2. Left to right: Jemma Asratyan, Trancaucasian Women's Dialogue, Armenia; General Robert Gard, WAF, USA; Celina Tuttle, Mines Action, Canada; Mary Wareham, HRW)

Panel Three - Humanitarian Mine Action

"Destruction of unexploded ordnance under regulations of law 'On Protecting Population and Territories from Natural and Technogenic Emergency Situations'" Lieutenant-General VLADIMIR VASILIEV, Disaster Resources and Emergency Situations Counselor, Ministry of Civil Defense, Russian Federation

Lieutenant-General Vasiliev described the Ministry's strategy and technology for the of demi-ning and clearance of territories from UXOs. The current program envisages the clearing of 540,000 hectares of land before the year 2000 - mostly World War II battlefields and more recent military conflict sites (6.3.1.1. Even during World War II landmines were not always used purely for military purposes. Before the German troops retreated from the region of Novgorod in 1944, they had mined Aleksander Pushkin's tomb in Mikhailovskoye, as well as the paths to the Mikhailovskoye Museum Complex itself. Photo by A. Gribovsky (RIA-Photo Archives)).

In conflict areas, the clearance and destruction of UXOs is carried out by the Armed Forces and Engineer units of peacekeeping forces. In clearing non-conflict areas and executing emergent orders, the Ministry of Defense's Engineer Forces and the Pyrotechnic troops of the Ministry of Civil Defense, Disaster Resources and Emergency Situations are engaged. Humanitarian demining as well as the execution of emergent orders are also carried out by commercial demining enterprises that work in various regional centers.

The 249th Center for High Risk Rescue Operations and the Pyrotechnic Division of the 170th Rescue Center of the Ministry of Civil Defense, Disaster Resources and Emergency Situations are engaged in the planned clearance of the territories of Moscow, Leningrad and the Voronezh regions. Their work is supervised by regional administrations and Centers for Humanitarian Demining and special engineering services of the Ministry of Civil Defense, Disaster Resources and Emergency Situations.

Lieutenant-General Vasiliev proposed that the organizational committee of the Conference address the governments of those states that continue to develop and produce AP mines, recommending that they also develop the technologies for mine destruction. That will provide all necessary technologies by the time the governments are ready to sign the Ottawa Treaty (6.3.1.2. The areas where WWII combat operations took place are still infested with landmines and unexploded ordnance. The picture shows Sergeant Piotr Lavrinenko and his mates demining one of the city parks of Kaliningrad. Photo by Ya. Tikhonov (RIA-Photo)).

"Humanitarian Mine Clearance-Collecting Data" ODDBJORN FLEM, Norwegian People's Aid, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Mr. Flem stated that the biggest challenge for those collecting data is the random use of mines. The deployment of mines by air and by hand is usually random, thus making it very difficult to locate them. Historically, less that 20% of land prioritized for clearance is actually found to contain mines. Determining where the minefields are is a difficult process that depends on various conditions and requires a thorough survey in order to establish the scope of the problem and to make a plan for conducting a mine clearance operation. Surveys are divided into 3 parts; each part requires different knowledge, experience and hence, training.

A level 1 survey, which is the most basic, gives an overview of contamination and allows for priori-tization of further mine action resources. The absence of a good record and the lack of availability or appropriateness of high-tech equipment requires someone on the ground to collect information from different sources in order to build an overall picture. The challenges to a level 1 survey are lack of knowledge and illiteracy of the population, sensitivity of information, fear of retribution among civilians and mistrust among military commanders and soldiers. Level 2 is an attempt to do a technical survey prior to deployment of clearance resources, finding perimeters of contamination, types of mines, etc. As part of the survey the borderline of contamination can be identified, perhaps with the use of manual deminers, mine-detection dogs or mechanical tools. With low-density contamination this process is somewhat complicated and the total target area needs to be demined. At this stage, an area can be marked as unsafe, and then the option is perhaps not to continue with mine clearance. Finally, a level 3 survey requires the collation of clearance reports and areas covered by clearance items. In some cases, this might involve follow-up visits to ensure that the area cleared has not caused any further problems due to soil migration or mine movement. Mr. Flem stressed the need to hold the information for each level of survey centrally and in accessible form.

In Bosnia & Herzegovina, where NPA operates, the UN mine action center has identified 30,000 minefields, which is about 60% of existing minefields in the country. Of those 30,000, NPA believes that approximately 13,000 contain less than 10 mines.

ANATOLY GRIBENYUK, General Director of the commercial demining group "Uniexpol," Russian Federation

Anatoly Gribenyuk drew attention to the fact that all demining operations in the former USSR to clear World War II UXO remnants have been rather superficial, never going deeper than 50 cm. Deeply placed UXOs have migrated upwards to the surface during the last few decades and are posing danger nowadays, since there is little difference between UXOs and mines.

Uniexpol has developed a special technology for humanitarian demining and UXO clearance at the depth of 3-5 meters. This technology is based on international experience and meets the UN technical standards.

Mr. Gribenyuk gave some details on the methodology and technical organization of operations under this technology. One brigade of 65 specialists is able to clear up to 2 hectares of land as deep as 5 meters with a 96% reliability rate.

Question: What kind of equipment is used?

Answer: Russian and Austrian "Sherrix" metal and bomb-detectors. As a rule, the most modem and quite expensive equipment is used.

Question: Is the Russian defense industry able to manufacture similar equipment?

Answer: Of course. Our military industry has developed very sophisticated equipment on an experimental level. International support could move these techniques to practical use. Everybody will benefit.

Question: How expensive is your demining?

Answer: The costs are mainly determined by particular environmental features (territory characteristics). Expertise of the site is the initial stage, afterwards estimation is made according to international standards.

Question: How much time does it take to train

deminers and other specialists?

Answer: 1 � Courses taking from 1-6 months are sufficient, depending on the specialty (followed by one month of practice). Training a dog takes 4-6 months.

"Detection and Identification of Landmines" GENNADY TIURIN, Krylov Central Research Institute, St-Petersburg, Russian Federation

Gennady Tim-in described the use of the latest scientific developments in the field of mine detection and identification. At present, the technical methods that can be applied in explosives detection and identification include: gas analyzing (artificial nose), biological, electromagnetic and nuclear. Of all the mentioned methods only the nuclear-physical one proves to be effective in detecting gun-powder.

The first device based on the nuclear-physical method was developed by the US-based company Science Applications International Corporation in 1990 for scanning luggage of air-passengers. Two years later the Krylov Central Research Institute developed a similar device. The Argon National Laboratory (US) further developed a technology known as APSTNG for detecting explosives, narcotics and radioactive materials in field conditions. Similar experimental developments were carried out in Russia too � at the Scientific Research Institute of Automatics, Scientific Center "Kurchatov Institute", Federal Nuclear Centers in Sarov and Snezhinsk.

Portable neutron generators that have been developed in the USA, France and Russia can also be applied, but they are characterized by a number of drawbacks, namely low detection effectiveness � about 60-90% (UN standards - 99%), high number of false alarms, complexity in use (not-applicable in field conditions at all) and the last but not least � a huge cost.

Mr. Tiurin believes that the development of a really effective detecting device needs the combined efforts of the leading industrial countries, business, political and non-governmental organizations. Such an initiative could be realized within the framework of the international anti-landmine campaign.

DMITRI ROTOTAEV, General Director of the Scientific Research Institute of Steel, Russian Federation, VALERY GOLUB, General Director of "Medpass" Company, Russian Federation

Mr. Rototaev and Mr. Golub described the protective gear used in the process of demining/clear-ance and destroying UXOs.

The Institute of Steel started producing protective equipment in 1966. Each stage of the clearance operation � i.e., detection, demining, transportation for further destruction or utilization - requires special means of protection. Universal multipurpose gear has not yet been designed.

During initial reconnaissance, the feet are most vulnerable, while the head and body are rarely affected by mine fragments. The most reliable protection is needed in the process of demining, which could require working in various positions � standing, sitting and sometimes even lying. Uniforms developed by the Institute are not penetrable by fragments moving with the speed 1,000-1,200 meters per second, protecting simultaneously from detonating impact fuse, high temperature, excessive humidity and other untoward effects. The gear-set weight varies from 17 to 40 kilograms depending on the number of pieces used (i.e., shorts, sleeves, vest, etc.) (6.3.5.1. Chechnya, February 1995. Chechen rebels' ammunition seized by Russian troops is being prepared for destruction. Photo by Yuri Tutov (RIA-Photo)).

Mr. Rototaev agreed with other speakers on the point that inadequate protection � either insufficient or poor quality, self-manufactured non-certified gear - is the main reason for casualties among deminers. Mr. Rototaev realizes standard requirements for protective gear are needed and is eager to formulate them and to participate in the development of new types of special gear if additional financing is provided.

Mr. Rototaev called on the participants at the Conference to undertake an initiative and to set up an International Task Fund, which would finance adequate equipping of active deminers' groups. In his opinion, such an enterprise would considerably reduce the number of casualties among deminers.

VALERY GOLUB

Who has been dealing with the development and production of protective gear for more than 30 years, also thinks that the use of mines has become uncontrollable first of all due to inadequate protection. Attack-defense interrelation is defined by the adequacy of protection: the better the protection, the less effective are the means of onslaught. Highly effective protection cools down the unhealthy urge to use mines (6.3.5.2. Russian sappers use a special protective gear set, the "Doublon," during humanitarian demining operations. Photo by Vladimir Gurin (ITAR-TASS)).

An adequately protected deminer is twice as safe when working in the field, since physical protection also ensures psychological protection, which allows for avoiding excessive strain or stress, making one's effort more effective and decreasing the number of mine casualties.

ADAM NIZHALOVSKY, Major-General, Deputy Commander of Engineers of Russian Federation, supported Mr. Rototaev's proposal to establish an international foundation to facilitate the development and production of special protective gear for deminers.

ANDREI KOSTIUKOV, Head of the specialized company Fort, in the Russian Federation,

spoke about the participation of non-state companies in demining operations.

In his opinion, specialized non-governmental demining companies have emerged because the demand for demining in many regions of Russia/ FSU has not been met. Among these companies are the Moscow-based Uniexpol and Fort and St.-Petersburg-based Iskatel. These enterprises usually perform humanitarian demining with a clearance rate of 99%. Since 1995, Fort, with the support of the Moscow Command, has been providing urgent demining services.

Initially, Fort executed an order for demining first, and only after the work was over did the company place a bill to the local administration with a note that the administration is not obliged to pay (since no contract was signed). But the next time it places an order for demining, this order won't be executed by Fort. However, as Mr. Kostiukov admitted, such practice fell short of the expectations -the submarginal economic situation and the high landmine density in Tver and Vladimir regions, as well as in the Moscow region, left no other choice for Fort than to permanently execute urgent orders for mine clearance there regardless of payment.

What are the advantages of non-state demining companies?

First of all, they have a much greater mobility than military sappers. The military executes an order for demining within a week and, in some cases, it takes them even longer to get to the site. The Fort engineers get to any site in question the same day the order is placed. Its specialists' competence is as high as that of the military (most of them are experienced retired officers of the Engineer Forces) and in most cases even higher than that of the military, especially if compared to inexperienced active duty soldiers. Unlike the Engineer Forces, Fort does not have any "loss margin," because for a private company just a single accidental detonation and the death of one employee means an immediate collapse.

DAUR LOMIA

from Abkhazia shared his views on the Georgian-Abkhazian conflict and suggested ways for the resolution of this conflict.

The total number of mines in Abkhazia after the conflict of 1992-93 has reached 50,000, according to Halo Trust data. The greatest number of mines is accumulated in battle frontier areas, i.e., alongside the Gumista and Inguri rivers and highway M27 in Achamchir. These areas were being cleared by Halo Trust specialists: 40 deminers working in Gumista, another 20 in Inguri. However, Halo Trust was forced to leave the work unfinished because of ongoing battles in the Gali area. Not even a single trained local deminer was left behind, while non-cleared fields continue collecting their deadly crop of peasant-victims.

Halo Trust plans to clear Abkhazia from mines within a 7-year period. The Abkhazian Army has one Engineer Battalion at its disposal, consisting of 10 deminers headed by a Russian retired Colonel. They are also contributing to the mine-clearance process in Abkhazia, although their effort is limited by a lack of necessary equipment.

After the World Bank experts visited Abkhazia, the US Congress made a decision to issue a $5 million assistance to the republic, partially covering demining costs. This was politically colored assistance, however, envisaging Abkhazia's re-entry into Georgia. Consequently, this proposal could not be accepted.

The speaker asked delegates from Georgia to facilitate getting Abkhazian minefield maps from the Georgian Ministry of Defense. There is nothing illegal about passing maps over after the end of the conflict, and doing this will greatly facilitate and speed up clearing Abkhazia of AP mines.

As to Abkhazia's adherence to the Ottawa Treaty, an official decision is impossible until Abkhazian sovereignty is recognized. Obviously, Abkhazia has no doubts about signing the Ban Treaty, since mines have caused so much suffering that the people of Abkhazia have every reason to want their use outlawed.

In response to the previous speaker, ALEK-SANDER RUSETSKY, Helsinki Civil Assembly Committee in Georgia, made a remark:

As a representative of a non-governmental organization I examine and treat all problems from the humanitarian point of view. I would insist that adherence to these principles, careful handling and avoidance of political issues is fundamental for NGO status.

"Developing Mine Awareness Programs" JOHAN SOLBERG, ICRC, Transcaycasus

Mr. Solberg began by arguing that prevention is better than cure, and that mine awareness programs are designed specifically to alert the population to the problem, inform them about the danger of mines, instruct them on how to behave when living in potentially mined areas, and how to act when coming across mines, in other words, to prevent mine accidents from happening. He then proceeded to discuss the ICRC's mine awareness program in Azerbaijan, which has evolved through three stages:

assessment, information and training.

First, the ICRC assessed the extent of the landmines problem in Azerbaijan and discovered that while the number of internally displaced persons and potential returnees to the areas affected was high, the general knowledge about landmines was very low. In cooperation with the UN and various NGOs, the ICRC began an extensive information phase, which included gathering information, distributing posters and brochures to 120,000 families in affected areas, and working with the media. The second phase involved gathering information on mines and UXOs, and recording mine accidents and the way in which people behaved when they occurred. The third component of the ICRC's program was training NGOs and the local population. Their school-training program, which includes a 2-hour training session for teachers, has been used with 4,400 teachers and 70,000 children to date.

Mr. Solberg concluded his presentation by emphasizing the importance of teamwork and cooperation in mine awareness programs. The ICRC has been able to carry out its programs by working hand-in hand with local and foreign NGOs. He also stressed the need for mine action centers that can coordinate mine awareness programs with demining, information gathering and victim assistance programs. The end goal should be the creation of one mine awareness program in each mine affected area, in order to avoid conflicting slogans and messages.

According to the estimates of the Engineer Forces of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Defense, minefields in Chechnya total more than 5,000 hectares. It is believed that landmines deployed by the Russian sappers were cleared away before the Russian troops withdrew. The minefields made by the Chechens during the fight for Grozny, Bamut, Shali and in mountainous areas remain uncleared. No charts of these minefields seem to have ever existed. It's estimated that clearing landmines deployed in Chechnya will take no less than 30 years.

� From the authors' dossier

(6.3.9.1. Left to right: Daur Lomia. Center for Humanitarian Programs, Abkhazia; Marina Sallier, Our European Future, Russia; Aleksander Rusetsky, Georgian Committee of Helsinki Civil Assembly)

Panel 4: Prevention and Treatment of Mine Injuries

(6.4.1.1. Chechnya, August 1995. People in Grozny are disappearing day by day, as the number of landmines laid grows. Photo by V. Podleglov (RIA-Photo))

"Documenting of Mine Incidents and Injuries" DR. JAMES COBEY, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Physjaans for Human .Rights (PHR), USA

Dr. Cobey emphasized that reliable data that is respected by others is essential to initiate and build a strong advocacy program, guide landmine clearing efforts, and open up access to local and international funding for treatment of mine victims. There are two basic formats in gathering data, namely, a survey or study of a specific problem over a relatively short time, and an ongoing surveillance system where data is continually collected by a permanent staff for study and ongoing analysis. Surveillance systems are usually best for incidence data, in other words the number of new cases that occurred over a certain period of time. The problem with surveillance systems is that they are only as good as the front line person recording the data at the clinics. Setting up such systems takes the cooperation of all the medical and/or rehabilitation facilities, belonging to both government and NGOs, who must all collect data the same way. Surveys are usually best for prevalence data, which is the number of cases of a condition existing in a community at any given time (e.g., the number of survivors of explosions in the community). Prevalence data gives us an idea of the ongoing burden or responsibility on society to taking care of disabled citizens. Surveys and surveillance systems can generate prevalence and incidence data if they are designed correctly.

PHR has used different survey methods for 3 studies that it has conducted: (i) Cambodia, 1993 � to try to determine the prevalence or number of amputees from mine injuries. The method consisted of accessing hospital operating room logs, finding a common denominator for the survey (population of country), locating surgical facilities in mine-infested areas and gathering data from their records, and interviewing victims; (ii) Somalia, 1992 � to determine the extent of the landmines problem in the country. The method used was collecting information from 3 hospitals and the Red Cross. The data that was missed was the victims that did not receive medical care; (iii) Mozambique, 1993 � to determine the extent of the landmines problem. The method used was a house-to-house survey, including cluster sampling and standard systematic sampling. According to Dr. Cobey, while this type of survey required a lot of work and planning, it was the most valuable, since it collected data on the number of unreported injuries and mortality.

Dr. Cobey also offered suggestions on the various steps in setting up a survey. They include finding the population of the community being studied and creating a local calendar to assist in determining dates of injuries or ages of people; developing a questionnaire or tool with multiple choice questions and doing a pilot study with it first; specifying all the assumptions made in your sampling technique;

recording testimonials or detailed narrative interviews of victims or their families; setting up surveillance studies of the incidence of new cases at a number of facilities; and, finally, trying a small hospital study first before trying house-to-house surveys, in order to get a lot of the initial, basic data.

Dr. Cobey concluded by stressing the importance of dissemination. Once data is collected, it should be widely distributed, with the help of NGOs, the media and medical groups. He argued that "the data you collect can help put pressure on governments to look at the long term public health consequences of mines and hopefully sign the treaty; in other words, the data you collect can change the world."

"Treating Mine Injuries" VALERY KHRUPKIN, Chair of Military Field Surgery, Central Institute of Medical Postgraduate Education, Ministry of Defense, Russian Federation

Mr. Khrupkin argued that the perfection of weapons since World War II has changed not only warfare, but also the nature of military injuries: the prevalence of mine-blast injuries in Afghanistan has reached 25%; meanwhile 70-80% of the victims of local conflicts are civilians. Mine-blast injury is categorized as multifactorial, caused by the combined effects of air strikes, primary and secondary shells, gas jets, flame and toxic matters. Blast injuries (caused by direct and indirect effects of primary and secondary shells, air strikes and gas jets) and blast trauma (indirect effects, through a screen/barrier, most often while in a vehicle) are distinguished. Most injuries are complicated by multiple bone fractures, while 66% of cases involve the total destruction and tearing off of segments of limbs. In 20% of the cases multiple injuries are complicated by the destruction of major vessels and nerves.

Following are the characteristic features of mine-blast trauma:

1. sharp blood loss - due to external (caused by traumatic limb amputation) and internal (caused by penetrating abdominal and chest wounds) profuse bleeding, with total blood loss reaching up to two liters;

2. cardiac contusions caused by fougasse, i.e. mine effect of a blast ammunition - in 17% of cases;

3. pulmonary contusions - in 18% of cases;

4. multiple combined injuries; head injuries are the most often registered - in 72% of cases;

5. early traumatic endotoxicosis, caused by massive tissue destruction and devitalization.

Prehospital management implies the application of a tourniquet, even when there is no evidence of bleeding; the tourniquet is not removed for a 2-hour period. Moreover, an upper mixed local anesthetic/antibiotic blockade is indicated. Air transportation to the hospital guarantees timely medical treatment. There are usually vital indications for the surgical treatment of blast injuries, such as external and internal bleeding, cerebral compression, asphyxia, massive destruction or amputation of limbs, destruction of major blood vessels, etc. Multiple wounds with extended devitalization of tissues and profuse bleeding require blood transfusions and infusions, antibacterial therapy and detoxification before, during and after the operation. Extracorporal detoxification has been proven to be effective. Fulminant corticosteroid insufficiency leads to deep coma, muscular frigidity and irreversible cardio-vas-cular and respiratory disorders. Death is caused by cardiac contusion, gas emboli in coronary and cerebral arteries, and other life-threatening conditions.

Mr. Khrupkin said that an early hyperbaric oxygenation prevents some complications. The curative oxygen hyperbaric chambers "Oka-MT" and "Irtysh-MT" have already been used in Afghanistan. The Israeli Army is also equipped with similar devices. Oxygenation is combined with intravenous administration of perftoran, which is an artificial plasma with gas transportation capability. Perftoran has anti-shock, anti-ischemic and cardio-protective properties. It doubles erythrocytes life, it restores the circulating volume, thus improving central and peripheral circulation and perfusion, and it allows for a decrease in early surgery and blood transfusion by 50%. Mr. Khrupkin argued that Russian Perftoran is better than its American analogue, since its particles are 100 times smaller than rbc, which enables them to reach any part of the body.

"Treating Mine Injuries" VLADIMIR ROSINOV, Deputy Director of the Moscow Scientific Research Institute of Pediatrics and Children Surgery, Russian Federation and IRINA NAZAROVA, Chief of Mobile Field Hospital, Russian Federation

Vladimir Rosinov is the chief of a large (300 beds) pediatric hospital in Moscow. During and after the conflict in Chechnya, 48 mine victims were evacuated and brought to his hospital for reconstructive surgery and prostheses. His experience with pediatric mine-blast injuries helped Dr. Rosinov outline specific problems he had to deal with. Specifically: (i) there is no social status for a handicapped child or a victim of war; in other words, the state undertakes no legal responsibility for providing adequate living standards and social reintegration;

(ii) until the health care and social services are restructured and reorganized on the federal level, there's little hope of providing specialized services like rehabilitation or prosthetic care in areas suffering from post-war devastation; (iii) although mandatory health insurance covers medical care, social funds are scarce and do not allow for providing rehabilitation and prosthetic care for patients from other regions. Chechnya cannot offer any mechanism of payment to the Institute of Prosthetic Care, while this institute provided 48 children with pros-theses. In May 1996, the Ministry of Civil Defense, Disaster Resources and Emergency Situations evacuated 132 patients from Chechnya to be distributed in Moscow hospitals (6.4.3.1. Azerbaijan, 1994. The refugees' camp at the outskirts of the village Imishly. Photo by Aleksander Lyskin (RIA-Photo)). This figure is in addition to the constant inflow of patients who are treated at the expense of the Moscow Health Care budget, plus 3-4% of federal budget, targeted to cover the use of expensive medical technologies. As to prosthetic care, 60% is covered by the Ministry of Labor and Social Development and 40% by the Moscow Committee for Social Insurance, although there were a few sponsored cases.

Dr. Nazarova, Chief of Hospital of the Russian National Center of Disaster Medicine "Protection," reported on the work in Chechnya during the military conflict. During a 9-month period 12,000 patients and victims altogether were treated. She said that module hospitals are set up in 10 minutes and are ready to function within 40 minutes. In other words, physicians can start working in 40-45 minutes after the craft is landed.

Both Dr. Rosinov and Dr. Nazarova emphasized that it is clear that the problem is important and should be solved without delay. According to them, the optimal way is to initiate a special federal insurance fund.

RUBEN NIKOGOSYAN, National Medical Center, Armenia

Dr. Nikogosyan stated that Nagomy-Karabakh has become the first "hot spot" in the former USSR. Mines were disseminated along roads, in fields, forests, frontier regions and at industrial enterprises. There were a lot of victims among both military and civilian populations. During the period of active battles, the Scientific Medical Center "Emergency Care" (750 beds) in Yerevan was temporarily transformed into a military hospital for the specialized management of victims, hi total, 2,283 patients with multiple combined mine-blast injuries were treated. Combined injuries of chest/limbs or head/spinal bone/limbs prevailed, while there were few cases of abdomen/limbs wounds and 10% of victims had only limb injuries (6.4.3.2. Nagorny-Karabakh, 1992. Medical aid to a landmine victim. (RIA-Photo archives)).

The lack of military surgeons and specialized hospitals, as well as the absence of military-medical doctrine and the poor knowledge of military field surgery have greatly complicated the management of patients, especially in issues of mobility and continuity at evacuation stages. Initial surgical treatment was either ignored or inadequate; so was gangrene prevention and prophylaxis of shock. As a result, purulent conditions were registered in 85% of cases, that were complicated by osteomielitis in 4% of all cases, and in another 4% by anaerobic infection. All victims require long-term treatment. Mine-blast injuries require prolonged treatment and rehabilitation, which includes correction of both physical and psychological disorders. Furthermore, physical and social rehabilitation poses a heavy burden for the victim's family, the community and the whole state.

Taking all this into account, the medical profession of Armenia supports IPPNW's initiative to join the ICBL. Dr. Nikogosyan argued that it is essential to launch initiatives and create groups and affiliates in all states continuing to use landmines. He proposed that the Final Statement of the conference be disseminated throughout all participating states. In his opinion, it is reasonable to introduce a medical section within the Campaign to train qualified staff and work out scientific and tuition programs to assist in the development of diagnostic, curative and preventive strategies, and to coordinate mutual activities.

OMAR KHANBIEV, Ministry of Health, Chechnya

Dr. Khanbiev got to know mines very closely, since he worked round the clock in a field hospital for two years during the conflict in Chechnya. He pointed out that during the conflict all types of armaments were used � from cold-steel to certain types outlawed by the Geneva Convention, such as anti-personnel dart, pellet and vacuum bombs. There were 1,800 registered cases of mine-blast injuries, 250 of them were children (data from remote mountain regions is not included). During the battle the prevalence of mine-blast injuries was insignificant, while after the cease-fire the number of cases usually doubled and tripled (6.4.5.1. Chechnya, January 1995. Living quarters in Grozny after a bombing. Photo by Igor Mikhalev (RIA-Photo)).

Mine-blast injury is characterized by pronounced pain. Moreover, the further a patient has to be transported, the worse are the outcomes- pain shock might develop in 100% of the cases. Blast injury is distinguished from other types by extensive, contaminated wounds, profuse bleeding and blood-loss, infection and associated complications. These injuries are usually combined and require neuro-surgery.

Dr. Khanbiev said that Chechnya's public health was underdeveloped even during the Soviet era, ranking #22 in the list of republics. Chechnya has lost 70% of its national wealth, and a lot of courage is needed to continue saving human lives. While they used to have 6,000 physicians, now there are only 1,200. Quite often they have had to entrust primary care to paramedics. Up to 100% of mine-victims are disabled and need rehabilitation, neuro-surgery and prostheses, which shows that mines are primarily a social evil. Being handicapped is an irreversible condition, and it usually involves burdens on a family, society and state. Hospitals fail to render prostheses to all in need, and victims cannot rely on assistance from either international or neighboring states or Moscow. Even the prosthetic shop in Vladikavkaz! is out of their reach.

Dr. Khanbiev said that international organizations avoid coming to Chechnya, considering it unsafe, but he insisted that safety is guaranteed for those who will keep in touch with the government and the Ministry of Health. Furthermore, he realizes that to have a few cases treated outside the republic is not a solution for the problem. Nowadays, they desperately need prosthetic shops within the republic, where they can teach their own specialists, help survivors and offer jobs.

VLADIMIR STROGANOV, General Director of the NPO (Scientific Industrial Association) "Metallist," Russian Federation

The NPO "Metallist" was founded thanks to the patronage of the last Russian Czar Nicholas Romanoff. The enterprise originated from a number of craft workshops that produced prostheses and their components from fiber, leather, plywood and odd materials. However, in 1916, when World War I was in full swing, a full scale industrial enterprise designed by Chelishev was constructed.

The main task is the rehabilitation of the invalids of war and labor, and handicapped children. Speaking about the number of companies to which we supply our products, only the state-owned orthopedic facilities make about 80. We export our products to Poland and the CIS countries. For many years, "Metallist" used to have the monopoly on prosthetic production in the FSU. Nowadays, there is still a large inventory of devices, including wrought metal cradles, produced at our enterprise only.

"Metallist" produces prostheses for about 100 maimed people annually. Yet one shouldn't forget that behind each one of our "devices" there is an individual with a ruined life, maimed both physically and psychologically. Our employees, most of them handicapped, too, are pretty well aware of what kind of responsibility they bear. Maybe many of our workers would get retrained and produce something like toys, housewares and other "less depressing" goods, but armed conflicts go on, mines are being planted, death and maimings are awaiting their victims. A mine accident is merciless regardless whether the victim is a soldier, a woman or a child. That is why the staff of the Moscow NPO "Metallist" supports all public and political initiatives aimed at banning anti-personnel landmines.

Small Group Meetings on Campaigning

Abstracts from Round-Table Discussions

Russian Federation

Chairs: IAN MADDOCKS, IPPNW-Australia, and LAURA LODENIUS, Peace Union, Finland

LAURA LODENIUS, Peace Union, Finland

I'd ask campaigners to rely on the real potential of their organizations while planning the campaign. What could we contribute to help you build the Russian Campaign? To help Russia adhere to the Convention?

JAMES COBEY, Physicians for Social Responsibility, USA

I have one suggestion. The United States used physicians as a major medical group to agree on a ban on landmines. Would it be possible for the Russian physicians to get the major Russian medical organizations as initiators of a mine-ban campaign in your country?

IAN MADDOCKS, IPPNW-Australia

I'd like to demonstrate the way physicians can take responsibility in building campaigns: strongly opposing smoking, a few years ago physicians pressed their governments to not allow advertising of cigarettes. The orthopedic surgeons have taken a lead in trying to enforce the rule that people must wear seat-belts in cars. Therefore it is possible that physicians actively participate in the Campaign.

SERGEY KUDINOV, Ministry of Emergency Situations, Russian Federation:

Our physicians are highly qualified professionals in their field, but that doesn't mean they'll perform successfully as politicians. The situation in Russia is different from that in the West.

GENNADY TYURIN, Krylov Central Scientific Research Institute, Russian Federation:

We have to adhere to a definite model to solve the problem we are discussing now. One of the possible solutions is the setting of a foundation that would accumulate task finances for the development of the Campaign and allow a wide range of activities. We can either follow the traditional pathway and beg the government for financial support, or set up a public organization to carry out initial research which doesn't require a lot of money, but does need certain international support. The final statement of this Conference should be given publicity in order to influence the governmental officials arguing their denial to sign the Treaty. Coordination efforts could be entrusted to IPPNW-Russia.

SERGEY KOLESNIKOV, IPPNW-Russia:

Ideally an outstanding well-known person should become a leader of the Campaign, but we cannot point to anyone. The lack of mine-related reliable information is one alarming sign, explaining public indifference and tolerance. So our primary task is to provide this information. Rendering public support and disseminating materials of this Conference could be our first step; this includes working with the mass media, the Russian parliament and the government.

This also includes close cooperation with all structures dealing professionally with AP landmines issues, first of all with the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Emergency Situations and Disaster Resources. This includes reaching public recognition of the fact that damage and losses caused by AP mines far outweigh the profits of their manufacturers. The earlier we stop the death machine, the fewer will be our losses. IPPNW-Russia is ready to coordinate campaign-developmental efforts and become a nucleus of a future National Campaign. IPPNW-Russia has gained its positive reputation in the country thanks to avoiding marginal tactics and methods in its activities and giving preference to dialogue, not confrontation.

SERGEY KUDINOV:

There's no doubt that AP landmines will be destroyed sooner or later, but as long as there are mines still deployed, our primary task is to avert new mine-related deaths and injuries.

IAN MADDOCKS:

The popularity around the world of the move to ban landmines promises sound international support to Russia's efforts to get rid of the mines that are already in the ground. If Russia's intentions to get rid of landmine stockpiles come true and Russia strives towards banning landmines, the international community would much more readily support the clearing of mined areas in the country.

AISHAT MAGOMEDOVA, League for Protection of Mother and Child, Dagestan:

I suggest that those who are responsible for the killing and maiming of women and children become subject to the International Court. If we lack resources to destroy mines, we must stop then their production. Russia's reputation as a country that avoids disarmament and knows only military ways for conflict resolution, being a country bom by revolution and brought up by wars, is insulting. We should teach our youth to choose non-violent conflict resolution as a mode of living. Women's NGOs have some experience on this issue and are ready to share it with others.

SERGEY KOLESNIKOV:

I've never heard our government or our people oppose disarmament. The terms is the question. Our task is to persuade the military of the world to undertake urgently possible initiatives towards further disarmament. For example, China is the known leader in manufacturing the cheapest AP landmines, at the same time it hasn't issued any restrictions on mine export so far. So, to make Russia the only object of anti-mine activities would be insufficient. It's a global problem.

ROBERT GARD, Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation, USA

The ban is a vaccination for a disease called landmines and you cannot wait for the rest of the world to join the Treaty. In the US 20 years ago many people smoked, but because a few people stopped smoking and pushed it now smoking is socially unacceptable in the country. We need to make use of mines socially unacceptable for any reason and go along a country-by-country pace. One cannot get everybody to join the move at the same time everywhere.

IAN MADDOCKS:

We realize that there's a need in Russia for greater education about landmines and for better data collection on mine-related issues. There were suggestions to set up an independent foundation that would facilitate solving major mine-related problems, such as demining, victims assistance, development and manufacture of protective gear.

If IPPNW-Russia steps up as a national coordinator it would be possible to raise some funds for these purposes. Whether these efforts make any changes in the government policy or in military thinking is another matter, but in many countries this has happened slowly as people have addressed the problem, have become better educated to irreversibly stigmatize and make mines socially unacceptable.

GRIGORY LOKSHIN, International Association of Peace Foundations, Russian Federation:

Until recently I was part of our "Soviet public," that automatically approved of all initiatives of the Foreign and Defense Ministries and was very careful with personal initiatives. But those times have passed, as it should be recognized by the governmental officials, who stick to a defensive strategy at this Conference, continuously maneuvering and avoiding all principal answers and decisions.

History has proved that public initiatives quite often develop into governmental ones or are incorporated as an important part into international agreements and treaties. Our Foreign Minister Eugene Primakov has worked for a long time as Vice-President of the Soviet Peace Committee, and the phrase "There's no chance to build peace on the mined land" belongs to him. This has become today's issue and the Russian government has no alternative but to address the issue of mines under the pressure of� if not Russian or former USSR public opinion, then strong activity of international organizations and national NGOs, which united their efforts within the International Campaign to Ban Landmines.

We are to greet and thank all those people who organized this Conference and who built the Campaign and we should continue pressing negligent governments. Although Russia's geopolitical situation, its economic hardships and the immaturity or carelessness of our parliament interfere with anti-landmine activities, the position of our government seems to be more reasonable. All these factors should be taken into account by the Russian campaign builders.

I'd like to remind you of one very important historical event. A hundred years ago, the Russian Emperor Nicholas the Second initiated the First Peace Conference in the Hague, that laid the basis of the "civilized war rules," which set the beginning of present-day International Humanitarian Law. In May 1999 an International Conference and NGO Forum in the Hague will commemorate its 100th anniversary. So, there's some time for Russia to make a decision on signing the Treaty. We cannot lay obstacles for the international movement or ignore the global attitude towards mines, which already have been stigmatized by the international community as a barbaric, uncivilized weapon that must be banned.

The Caucasus

Chairs: CHRIS HUNTER, Center for Peace-building and Community Development, Russian Federation, and VLADIMIR KAKALIA, Center for Humanitarian Programs, Abkhazia

JEMMA ASRATYAN, Transcaucasian Women�s Dialogue, Armenia

At the very beginning of the campaign we should introduce the issue and educate leaders of public organizations. NGOs can undertake mine-awareness programs to educate the population, and first of all children. However, 1 have to point out that Armenia will need financial support from other organizations and foundations to pursue these activities. We need money to make initial surveys and to evaluate the landmine situation in close-to-border towns, settlements and farmlands, as well as to develop adequate population-based mine-awareness programs.

In my opinion, it's worthwhile to mutually organize with the ICBL a roundtable discussion or conference in the Caucasus to exchange opinions and experiences and to synchronize future activities. NGOs should work in close cooperation with their governments to avoid harming national interests or national security issues.

ALEKSANDER RUSETSKY, Helsinki Civil Assembly, Georgia:

If such a conference or roundtables are expedient and occur, I would suggest to organize in parallel an exhibition of modern humanitarian demining technologies, as well as modem orthopedics, prosthesis techniques and rehabilitation approaches. Psychologists speak to the significance in the rehabilitation process of numerous problems, such as phobias and stress. Finally, the Conference shall deal with terrorists.

LARISA MINASYAN, Open Society Institute, Armenia:

I consider mine-awareness programs as a first-priority task, and we should start with explaining to the people what the Campaign is and what its main activities and tasks are. When we learned about the Conference and started looking for an expert to delegate, it turned out we had none.

RUBEN NIKOGOSYAN, Center for Disaster Medicine, Armenia

Medical aspects should be seriously addressed, i.e., training of highly competent professionals, working out models for first aid on the spot and through all evacuation stages, special hospital management and rehabilitation � both socio-medical and psychological. It could be worth setting up a special medical section that would deal with specialized issues within the region and exchange experiences with similar groups in other regions. I suggest that groups and Campaign affiliates that bring together specialists of different profiles dealing with mines should be organized in each Caucasian republic.

MAYA CHOVKHALOVA, Center for Peacemaking and Community Development, Chechnya

I'd like to raise the issue of informational deficit in Chechnya. We obviously need a centralized information bureau, that would accumulate all relevant information on all mine-related issues. Otherwise our efforts would be ineffective.

Nowadays, Chechnya is compared to Hiroshima or Stalingrad. The republic suffers from a deep social crisis, i.e., lack of schools, hospitals, houses, our industry is ruined and our people do not get salaries or social welfare.

Our lands are heavily infested with mines. Halo Trust cannot solve all our problems, while Russian deminers consider Chechnya too dangerous to work in. So we must rely on our own personnel, but they are almost immobilized by a sharp deficit in finances and technical means.

The war has left hundreds of handicapped people in Chechnya, including children. Chris Hunter has a list of children who need prostheses. Moscow medical centers meet only a very little part of the real need.

DAUR LOMIA, Center for Humanitarian Programs, Abkhazia:

I vote in favor of an All-Caucasus Conference or roundtable. The ideal venue is Pitsunda in August-September when prices are almost 30 times lower than in Moscow. But we'll definitely need to rely on ICBL and IPPNW assistance.

Vladimir Kakalia, Center for Humanitarian Programs, Abkhazia:

Political issues cannot be touched at the Caucasus conference otherwise people will never attend. The conference should focus on purely humanitarian issues.