World

Mine Ban Treaty Takes Effect

By CBSNews.com staff CBSNews.com staff

March 1, 1999 / 11:26 AM EST / CBS

An international "mine ban treaty," widely regarded as part of Princess Diana's legacy, took effect Monday. But the United States is among several military powers that have refused to sign it, reports CBS News Correspondent Richard Roth.

A bell-ringing outside London's Westminster Cathedral marked the treaty's launch, though campaigners against landmines say it should be heard as a warning that mines are still killing or maiming civilians every day.

The late Princess of Wales was the highest-profile public advocate of the treaty outlawing the manufacture, use, and stockpiling of anti-personnel mines. The pact has now been signed by more than 160 nations.

In Bosnia a month before her death, Diana met Muzita Gubelyich, whose right foot was badly injured by a mine. Today, the Bosnian woman says, "Mines should be banned. We don't need them at all."

But the U.S. and a large group of countries including China and Russia disagree, and have refused so far to sign the treaty.

Even where the treaty has been formally approved, mine clearance is a slow, costly process, sometimes foiled by politics.

Angola was among the first to sign up (at Diana's urging) but is already reportedly among the first to violate it.

The U.S. wanted an exemption in the treaty for mines planted along the tense border between North Korea and South Korea. Washington's position is that it hopes to find an alternative to landmines, replace them within seven years, and then sign the treaty.