Ban Landmines Week

March 5 — 11, 2001

A PROCLAMATION BY THE MAYOR OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

WHEREAS, landmines pose an especially horrific threat to individuals residing in the dozens of countries in which they are hidden; and

WHEREAS, more than 70 million uncleared landmines lie in fields and footpaths of one-third of the world’s countries, continuing to wreak environmental and economic disaster, leaving large tracts of agricultural land unstable; and

WHEREAS, more than 22,00 individuals are killed or injured by landmines each year, often leaving those who survive the initial blast in need of amputations, long hospital stays, and extensive rehabilitative services; and

WHEREAS, in December 1997, a treaty was signed by 139 nations and thus far ratified by over 100, that comprehensively prohibits the use, production, stockpiling, sale, transfer, or export of antipersonnel landmines and ensures increased funds for victim assistance and demining; and

WHEREAS, March 5 — 11, 2001, The United States Campaign to Ban Landmines and the International Campaign to Ban Landmines will hold a series of informative activities to encourage the United States to join other nations from around the world in the international landmine ban treaty:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, THE MAYOR OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, do hereby proclaim March 5 — 11, 2001, as "BAN LANDMINES WEEK" in Washington, D.C., and call upon all the residents of this city to join me in supporting these efforts.

[signed]

Anthony A. Williams

Mayor, District of Columbia