President of the Republic of Slovenia Addresses Advisory Committee of the International Trust Fund for Demining and Mine Victims Assistance

Ljubljana, 11.4.2008  |  press release

Today the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr Danilo Türk, attended a ceremonial session of the Advisory Committee of the International Trust Fund for Demining and Mine Victims Assistance. In his opening address, Dr Türk said that as a former ambassador to and official of the United Nations, he has already had the opportunity to monitor the beginning of operation and development of the fund, which celebrates its 10th anniversary today. During that period the international community has accepted the problem of demining as one of the most important priorities in the post-conflict development period. However, the fund’s activities have not only involved demining and mine victim assistance; the fund has also made significant contributions to economic and social development in affected areas, stressed the Slovenian President. “Unfortunately, laying mines does not take much time, whereas demining requires efforts over an extended period,” said Dr Türk.

In addition to the demining issue, Dr Türk also highlighted the efforts of the international community in reducing and eliminating trade in light weapons and personal weapons. “Most victims of modern conflicts are victims of light weapons, anti-personnel landmines and special weapons. This is the reason why the international community must pay special attention to these means of warfare and commit itself to eliminating them,” said President Türk. He added that the very operation of the International Trust Fund for Demining and Mine Victims Assistance was one of the means required for the international community’s efforts to succeed in this area. At the end, President Türk expressed his thanks to the members of the fund’s Advisory Committee for their work and contribution towards the consolidation of international peace and stability.