A Mine-free Jordan

Your Royal Highness Cown Prince Hussein,
Your Royal Highnesses,
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,

I am pleased to be here in your beautiful country on this day of celebration, and to pay tribute to Jordan for fulfilling its obligations under the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention.

This is a significant achievement. Jordan has shown courage, responsibility and persistence in turning the dream of a mine-free Jordan into reality in a region where landmines still represent a threat to people’s life and hinder social and economic development.

This accomplishment would not have been possible without the impressive commitment and determination of the following key contributors: His Royal Highness Prince Mired has played a vital and leading role. He is a dedicated spokesperson for the importance of national ownership of the demining process. He will also be remembered for his leadership as the President of the Mine Ban Convention in 2007 and 2008, and as a persistent Special Envoy for universal adherence to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention.

The National Committee for Demining and Rehabilitation, the Royal Engineers Corps and Norwegian People’s Aid have successfully removed more than one-hundred-and-seventy thousand mines in the northern border area, the Jordan Valley and Wadi Araba. People in these areas no longer have to worry about their own safety, or that of their children and future generations.

Today our thoughts are with the casualties of landmines, and with some thirteen hundred men and women who have dedicated their time, energy and efforts to the heroic task of clearing Jordan’s minefields. Omar Bani Salem paid the highest price, his life. As did several members of the Royal Engineers Corps. I honour their memory.

As the final Land Release procedures are completed, I understand that the fertile land will be transferred to its rightful owners. This will enable the communities living along the border to fully put their land to use, benefit from synergy effects, and stimulate development in the area.

Jordan and Norway have a close partnership in matters related to humanitarian demining. We have wholeheartedly supported Jordan in its efforts to fulfil its obligations under the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention to clear all known minefields in its territory.

On behalf of my country, I would therefore like to congratulate Jordan on being the first mine-free country in the Middle East.

Thank you.