The Moroccan diplomat added in a speech delivered during this meeting that Ottawa convention represents an important step in the process of disarmament for a peaceful and secured world
He added that “although Morocco has not signed yet Ottawa agreement, it was always present as an observer interested and concerned by the banning of anti-personal landmines, Morocco has always participated to the annual sessions of Ottawa convention”
Mr Mohammed Maouelainin mentioned the content of the annual report presented by Morocco, out of its own initiative, and officially in 2006. In this respect he indicated that this report was translated by the achievements which go along with the provisions of Ottawa agreement, these achievements are “the materialization of Morocco’s good will, and its great desire of the achievement» of the objective of the convention i.e. a world without mines.
The diplomat reminded also, that the Moroccan vote in favour of the resolution of the UN constitutes supplementary proof of its support to the international efforts which tend to give an universal character to Ottawa convention, and achieve the objectives.
From its national policy of human development, and its respect to its international commitment in terms of human rights, Morocco gives a particular importance to the victims of anti-personal landmines explains Mr Maouelainin.
In this respect the Diplomat added that Morocco Has applied a vast program of mine clearance, mobilizing for that purpose human and material means, put at the disposal of the royal armed forces to clean areas touched by this calamity.
Since the return of southern provinces to the homeland, Morocco was able to neutralize 6500 landmines, distributed between 44638 anti-personal landmines, and 20699 anti-tank landmines. These landmines were put by those who claim the separation of Moroccan Sahara of its motherland, added Mr Maouelainin.
Morocco started on the 15th of last January a vast operation of mine clearance, 11000 specialists participated in this operation, in three areas of the southern provinces. Priority was given, according to the diplomat, to the populated areas, pastoral activity areas, water points, and non tarred roads.
The Moroccan Ambassador indicated that this operation allowed to clean an area which exceeds 16700 square km, to recover 49000 landmines ready to explode in different power capabilities.
The mine clearance allowed the southern provinces to welcome national and international sport activities, where thousands of competitors participated from various countries, without any incident
The kingdom of Morocco which makes the adhesion to Ottawa convention a strategic objective, considers that this objective remains linked to the requirements of the security of Moroccan southern provinces, and to the final settlement of the conflict concerning the Moroccanity of Sahara,, according to Mr Maouelainin.
The ambassador expressed his complete Moroccan solidarity with the claims of the under developed countries, and particularly the African countries which are in favour of the strengthening of the (technical cooperation, and the mobilization of the necessary financial resources, so that these countries achieve their commitment towards Ottawa convention.
Source: MAP
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