A common resolution “on a world without landmines” was approved by the European Parliament on 7 July. In their resolution MEPs invite the States that have not yet signed the Convention for the banning of the use, stockpiling, production, transfer and distribution of anti-personnel landmines to do so. The invitation is made in particular to the USA which has opted to maintain its own stockpile of 8.8 so-called “intelligent” anti-personnel landmines and 1.2 million further mines unequipped with self-destruct mechanism. The EP thus reaffirms “its own conviction that it is possible to achieve a ‘world without mines’ and invites the European Union and its member states to play a leading role in reaching this objective”. Lastly, the countries of the EU are invited to help needy states to improve and reinforce assistance to persons who have survived the explosion of landmines and their families”.
