April 17, 2000
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today announced a $500 000 contribution to the
second phase of mine clearance activities in the Jordan Valley. The Prime
Minister made the announcement in Amman Jordan, one of the stops on his current
trip to the Middle East.
"Canada is proud to be able to assist in efforts to remove mines from
the Jordan Valley," said the Prime Minister. "We are grateful for the
tremendous leadership role that Jordan has taken on anti-personnel mines and we
look forward to working together to encourage other states in the Middle East
and elsewhere to accede to the Ottawa Convention."
Each year, pilgrims and tourists from all parts of the world visit the Jordan
Valley to visit its historic and religious sites. Canada, Norway and Israel have
been working together in support of Jordanian de-mining efforts since July 1998.
The activity is considered a confidence-building measure that contributes to
peace building in the region. The Canadian International De-mining Centre, of
Sydney, Nova Scotia, is providing the Jordanian Royal Corps of Engineers with
clearance equipment and protective gear to rid the area of anti-personnel mines.
Today’s announcement brings Canada’s total contribution to this initiative
to $800 000.
Universalization of the Ottawa Convention and integration of mine action to
peace building measures is a priority for Canada in the Middle East. Jordan is a
strong proponent and signatory of The Convention on the Prohibition of the Use,
Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their
Destruction and Queen Noor has taken on a leading role as a good will ambassador
for the cause.
-30-
PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555
