12th Meeting of States Parties to the Mine Ban Treaty
In period 3-7 December 2012, exactly 15 years after the Mine Ban Treaty was opened for signature in Ottawa, Canada, governments, international agencies, and civil society are gathering in Geneva for the treaty’s 12th Meeting of States Parties (12MSP). Sl
In period 3-7 December 2012, exactly 15 years after the Mine Ban Treaty was opened for signature in Ottawa, Canada, governments, international agencies, and civil society are gathering in Geneva for the treaty’s 12th Meeting of States Parties (12MSP). Slovenian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Karl Erjavec attended the opening of 12MSP and gave a speech when Slovenia has taken over the Presidency.
ITF representatives Mr. Dorijan Marši?, Director, Mr. Goran Ga?nik, Deputy Director and Mr. Iztok Ho?evar, Adviser for international relations are actively participating at the conference and have on the first day of the Meeting, 3 December 2012 organized side event hosted by Slovenia. Welcoming remarks were given by 12 MSP President, H.E. Mr. Matjaž Kova?i?, Permanent Representative of Slovenia to the UN and Mr. Dorijan Marši?. ITF presented its best practices in regional cooperation in Mine Action.
The experience of the Slovenia-based ITF has shown that a broader, regional approach can lead to efficiencies and reduced costs in mine action projects and programs in achieving their common goal of mine/ERW-free land. The exchange of best practices, lessons learned, excellence in work, know-how, and coordination of activities in the field of mine action are key components, and are also conducive to confidence building process in the long run. Regional cooperation can also promote post-conflict social and political reconciliation in the region.