Rick Allen: “89 nations agreed in Oslo recently to an international treaty to ban landmines. This achievement is the product of years…”

“89 nations agreed in Oslo recently to an international treaty to ban landmines. This achievement is the product of years of hard work by humanitarian groups in the United States and around the globe and honors the legacy of the late Princess Diana. Unfortunately, the administration has decided not to sign the Ottawa treaty. I fear we have missed an historic opportunity to do the right thing. The United States should lead the fight to rid the world of landmines. The President said that total landmine ban was a line he could not cross for the safety of our troops. Their safety is of fundamental importance, but there are alternatives to mines that can protect our soldiers. A child in Angola does not see the line between farm and minefield and does not know where she can safely cross. Every 22 minutes, an innocent civilian is killed or maimed by a landmine. Madam Speaker, I urge Members and citizens across the country to call on the President to think of that little girl, do the right thing and sign the Ottawa Treaty in December.”