Remarks of Ambassador Robertson at Announcement of U.S. Donation to the ITF

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Tuesday April 4, 2006
(As prepared)

Minister Rupel, Director GaÄ?nik, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen.  I am delighted to be here at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today on this first-ever International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action.

The United States is seized with the issue of mine action.  We are engaged around the world in demining, mine risk education, mine survivors assistance, and research and development to find better ways to clear landmines.  Our goal is to alleviate the humanitarian, social and economic effects of persistent landmines left over from wars and other conflicts.

Since the U.S. Humanitarian Mine Action Program was established in 1993, the United States' support for humanitarian mine action has surpassed $1 billion worldwide. 

I should also mention that last year the U.S. implemented a ban on non-detectable landmines -- both anti-personnel AND anti-vehicle mines. 

Our efforts over the years, in partnership with other governments, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations, have helped reduce landmine casualties and enabled millions to return to their communities, make a living, and raise their children safely.

The goal of a world free from the humanitarian impact of landmines is attainable in our lifetime.  However, we all must continue to apply lessons learned and focus on the landmines that pose an imminent threat to the safety of communities and hinder economic development.

It is for that reason that I am happy to formally announce today that the United States will make available 9.9 million dollars in matching funds to the Republic of Slovenia's International Trust Fund for Demining and Mine Victims Assistance in the 2006 fiscal year.

ITF is a world-class organization that does great work helping communities in war-ravaged areas get back on their feet -- both literally and metaphorically. 

Our donation to the ITF is in the form of "matching funds."  This means that the United States matches contributions from other donor nations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), corporations and individuals.  In this way, we seek to encourage others to donate to the ITF as well.  And, I can report that since we have begun this partnership, every dollar the U.S. Government has made available to this program has been matched.  I hope today's announcement will encourage others to think seriously about donating to the ITF.  It is a transparent and efficient organization with a long track record of excellent results, and we are proud to be associated with it.

As I've said on previous occasions, I know that Slovenes understand just how fortunate they are to have avoided the scourge of landmines on Slovenian soil.  Landmines are not some distant problem affecting some far-off land:  they exist in your own backyard.  I visited ITF in Sarajevo last spring and could see demining going on within the city limits.  A sobering fact that makes you think twice before taking a step.

Minister Rupel, Director GaÄ?nik: it gives me a great pleasure to be able to present to you on behalf of the U.S. Department of State an Agreement specifying our contribution of 9.9 million dollars in matching funds to the ITF.