United Nations Radio

The first ever Summit on a Mine-Free World has ended in the Kenyan capital Nairobi, with delegates renewing their commitment to de-mining more affected areas, destroying of existing stockpiles and helping landmine victims.

The UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, in a live video-link with the closing session, commended major achievements made so far in halting the trade in landmines and in decreasing the number of victims.  But he says much more needs to be done:

"Anti-personnel mines still kill and maim innocent people every day, and hold back entire communities in working their way out of poverty. We cannot rest until all landmines are cleared, and these indiscriminate weapons banished forever."

Mr Annan said more states, including some of the world's largest, must be persuaded to join the campaign.  The UN Secretary-General also called for international assistance for victims of landmines in rebuilding their lives.