INTERVENTION OF THE HOLY SEE
AT THE III REVIEW CONFERENCE OF THE CONVENTION
ON PROHIBITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS ON THE USE OF CERTAIN
CONVENTIONAL WEAPONS WHICH MAY BE DEEMED
TO BE EXCESSIVELY INJURIOUS OR TO HAVE INDISCRIMINATE EFFECTS (CCW)

ADDRESS OF H.E. MONS. SILVANO MARIA TOMASI, C.S.*

Geneva
Friday, 17 November 2006

At the conclusion of this significant Conference the Delegation of the Holy See joins previous speakers in reiterating its appreciation for the untiring efforts that you and your Colleagues of the Bureau have invested to make this a constructive moment. In some areas like compliance, universalization and sponsorship program a step forward has been taken. The desired outcome, however, has not been achieved and much work remains to be done.

It is regrettable that States Parties were unable to reach agreement on a legally binding instrument on Mines Other Than Anti-Personnel Mines (MOTAPM). The failure to achieve such an agreement has left a real disappointment in the expectations of many people who see that it could have provided a good and adequate response to the humanitarian concerns posed by these weapons. For now, then, strong and specific national measures will have to be taken by individual States to make up for this impasse until an international consensus can be reached.

This Delegation has supported from the beginning negotiations for a legally binding instrument on cluster munitions and opted for a moratorium in the meantime, prompted by the overwhelming evidence of the humanitarian disasters caused by such weapons, especially on the civilian population. While it is heartening the fact that many countries and civil society groups have become more aware and involved in this important issue, it is sad to take note of the conclusion arrived at the end of this Conference that the needed negotiations mandate could not be formulated with sufficient operative provisions to meet the humanitarian needs.

Since the humanitarian dimension of this question is so serious, and demanding an urgent response, it is understandable and worthwhile that all additional initiatives that can be taken to move forward the process towards an international agreement be encouraged. The Holy See is ready to cooperate in this endeavor.

Thank you, Mr. President.

*L’Osservatore Romano, 25.11.2006 p.2.