GENERAL JOHN M. SHALIKASHVILI CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF
I strongly endorse the US policy to pursue an international
agreement that would effectively ban the use, stockpiling,
production and transfer of anti-personnel landmines (APLs). I
along with all responsible citizens, abhor the reckless and
illegal use of anti-personnel landmines. Such practices have
caused countless civilian casualties and incalculable human
suffering.
At the same time, my first obligation must be to the safety
and security of our men and women in uniform. It is they who
must, day-in and day-out, go in harm's way and perform those
missions our Nation asks of them. For years, the US military has
responsibly employed anti-personnel landmines in accordance with
the laws of land warfare. In recent years, this became even more
important as US force levels declined and our military
restructured.
With these issues in mind, I asked the Joint Staff to
undertake a review of our use of APLs, taking into account my
responsibility for protecting US forces, as well as the
compelling humanitarian dimensions of this issue. In addition, I
sought the views of the Joint Chiefs, our unified Commanders in
Chief, as well as other experts.
The Chiefs and I concluded that with very limited
exceptions, we could immediately terminate the US military's use
of non-self-destructing APLs and work toward the ultimate goal of
ending our reliance on all anti-personnel landmines.
The Joint Chiefs and I firmly believe that we have charted a
prudent and responsible course that will lead to the elimination
of all APLs, while continuing to protect American lives. We are
convinced it is the right thing to do and there is no doubt the
US military must be a leader in this global humanitarian effort.
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