POPE HAILS CONVENTION BANNING LAND MINES

VATICAN CITY, FEB 28, 1999 (VIS) - "Tomorrow, March 1, the Convention which bans anti-personnel mines and orders their destruction will come into effect," stated the Holy Father in remarks to the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square after praying the angelus today.

He continued: "For the entire international community this is a goal which marks a victory of the culture of life over the culture of death. The Holy See has, right from the start, shown its adherence, signing and ratifying the Ottawa document of December 4, 1997.

"For the world to be free from these terrible and treacherous weapons, the path is, unfortunately, still long. I pray God to give everyone the courage of peace, so that the countries which have not yet signed this important instrument of international law might do so without delay, and that they might continue perseveringly in the work of getting rid of mines and of rehabilitating the wounded. May people walk together in the paths of life, without fearing the hidden dangers of destruction and death!"

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