Source: Kingdom of Belgium - Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation |

Didier Reynders welcomes the announcement by Algeria on the finalization of the operations of antipersonnel mine clearance

This announcement allows for Algeria to fulfill its obligations following article 5 of the Ottawa Convention

Belgium welcomes the efforts of Algeria in the global fight against antipersonnel mines

BRUSSELS, Belgium, February 13, 2017/APO/ --

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Didier Reynders welcomes the announcement made by Algeria on 10 February in Geneva, of the finalization of the operations of antipersonnel mine clearance on its territory.
 

This announcement allows for Algeria to fulfill its obligations following article 5 of the Ottawa Convention. This is positive news for the beginning of 2017, the year when we celebrate the 20th anniversary of this Convention. Belgium had a pioneering role in the field of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention and attaches great importance to its universalization.
 
After more than 50 years of efforts, the completion of these mine clearance operations by Algeria will have an impact on development, with cleared territories that can now be used for production. From a humanitarian point of view, new victims will be avoided.
 
Belgium welcomes the efforts of Algeria in the global fight against antipersonnel mines.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kingdom of Belgium - Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation.