Statement by the Republic of Korea (Amended Protocol II)
Mr. President,
On behalf of the delegation of the Republic of Korea, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to you on your assumption of the presidency of the 11th Annual Conference. I am confident that your able leadership and wisdom will bring this annual conference to a fruitful conclusion.
Mr. President,
Amended Protocol Ⅱ is an effective arrangement that balances security needs with regard to mines as defensive weaponry and humanitarian concerns over unnecessary human suffering and casualties. Together with Protocol V and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, it has contributed greatly to strengthening the global legal framework on landmines.
The Republic of Korea attaches great importance to this Protocol, and has been faithfully implementing it. As reflected in its 2009 national annual report, my government has intensified its efforts at de-mining. The number of landmines we cleared this year alone amounts to about 1,500 with the participation of approximately 40, 000 servicemen. Although it will take more time to complete the clearance work than initially planned, which shows once again how delicate and difficult the de-mining job is, we will exert our utmost efforts to complete the de-mining as soon as possible. Furthermore, my government has been faithfully observing an indefinite moratorium on the export of anti-personnel mines.
International assistance and cooperation is an integral part of global efforts to mitigate the humanitarian sufferings caused by landmines, and the Republic of Korea continues to make contributions to de-mining and victim assistance
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projects through various channels, such as the UN Voluntary Trust Fund, UNDP Thematic Trust Fund (TTF) and International Trust Fund for De-mining and Mine Victims Assistance (ITF). We will maintain our endeavor to join global efforts in cooperation with other countries, international organizations and civil society. We are also committed to sharing our de-mining experience and techniques with mine-affected countries.
Mr. President,
Given the importance of this Protocol, it should be our top priority to ensure universal adherence to this instrument. While appreciating the steady increase in the number of States Parties, which is 93 today, we also believe more efforts can be done to expand the membership. The effective implementation of the Protocol will demonstrate the essential role it plays in addressing the humanitarian suffering caused by landmines, thereby attracting other countries to join.
We support the initiative to revitalize the Amended Protocol II regime, and believe it is the right time to consider and discuss ways to further enhance its relevance. The discussion on Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in the Meeting of Experts last April was indeed a meaningful step forward in this direction. Given the humanitarian concerns associated with the use of IEDs, it is necessary to continue to explore ways and best practices addressing the challenges posed by IEDs, while taking into consideration the existing international framework such as Wassenaar Arrangement.
In concluding, Mr. President, I would like to once again reconfirm the unwavering commitment of the Republic of Korea to the spirit of the Protocol, and assure you of my delegation’s full support to your endeavor in leading this Conference.
I thank you, Mr. President.
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