Int'l landmine treaty now 10 years old

GENEVA, Switzerland, Dec. 3 (UPI) -- The Switzerland-based International Campaign to Ban Landmines marked the 10th anniversary Monday of the signing of a treaty by 122 nations.

A spokesman for the organization in Geneva said the number of countries agreeing to ban the use, production, trade and stockpiling of anti-personnel mines has grown to 156 since the treaty was adopted in Canada in 1997.

Major powers such as the United States, China, India, Pakistan and Russia have not yet joined the effort.

"Banning a conventional weapon, which was used by fighting forces worldwide, was a historic achievement, which continues to inspire the world," said Jody Williams who won the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize for his role in bringing about the treaty.

Calling the treaty a work in progress, ICBL Executive Director Sylvie Brigot said the group must continue efforts "to make sure that it makes a real difference in the lives of individuals and communities haunted by landmines."