ICBL GC Contents ACTIVITY DIGEST ...... 4 Children exploded on mine...... 4 Campaign “Say Yes for Children!” ...... 5 hCa GC and ICBL GC join the campaign “Say Yes for Children” ...... 6 Mine war isn’t ending in ...... 10 Refugees Against Landmines...... 12 Mine-strewn! Mines! ...... 13 Checked – No Mines...... 14 Tank training area in Chognary...... 15 Seminar and exhibition in ...... 16 PRESS DIGEST...... 16 “ In Istanbul was signed the agreement about the creation of the military-marine group “BLACKSEAFOR.” ...... 16 “Two people were victims of explosion.” ...... 16 “Bomb was looking for in the classical gymnasia.” ...... 16 “Transportation of military base is ending.”...... 17 “25 years old villager died in region.” ...... 17 “Events in Gali region cause agitation.” ...... 17 “Abkhazian weapon is sold in Megrelia.” ...... 17 “A submerged mine is found in .” ...... 18 “Voluntarily equipment return.” ...... 18 “Cooperation in the sphere of defense spreads.” ...... 18 “Manoeuvres of in- countries will be held in June.” ...... 18 “Georgian majors were caught red-handed on selling weapon.”...... 19 „After Gumista – Guma.” ...... 19 “A grenade exploded in his hand.” ...... 19 “Exploded on mine.”...... 20 “General visited the border.” ...... 20 “Military shells in town.”...... 20 “Explosion in the TB-zone.” ...... 20 “Sequestration in the Military Physician Staff.”...... 20 CORRESPONDENCE DIGEST ...... 21

3 ICBL GC ACTIVITY DIGEST this mine was specially placed on the road by our side or by Abkhazian. Also may be that the population placed the mine for the security….” “The UN mission in Georgia re- frains from comments about the children who exploded on landmine in village Saberio, Gali region,”– stated IPRINDA, politi- cal councilor of the mission Veselin Kostov. As he says UN military spectators, who are in the conflict zone began investigation of this fact… ... Important events concerning happened last week. The fact that landmine was in vil- lage Saberio, Gali region, on foot- way, where hundreds of people walk during the day, stays am- CHILDREN EXPLODED ON MINE. biguous. From Thursday morn- In the village Saberio, Gali re- explosions on mines were fixed ing residents of Saberio and refu- gion, on April 10, five children: earlier. The prosecutor of gees from other villages gathered Samegrelo - Zemo Svanetia in the center of , in the - Boris Kvaratskhelia said refugees’ coordinate council and required maximal attention from 1. Shonia Lado – 10 years old that the operation wasn’t planned in advance. Is lead- Abkhazian government. The resi- 2. Veronika Cholaria - 9 years old ing the version that this dents of Saberio think that the place was mined during way to school was specially cho- 3. Violeta Cholaria – 10 years old Abkhazian war period. As sen, and may be con- 4. Darsania Jina –8 years old for accusation of partisans, cerned in it. ... Dato Shengelia categori- (“Alia” ¹11. 16-22.04.2001. 5. Khaburzania Liana – 8 years old cally protests this version… Lasha Berulava.); (“Svobodnaya ...”Alia” took the interview Gruzia.” ¹40. -12.04.2001) („Alia” from deputy Gia ¹ 47. 12-13.04.2001- Irine exploded on antipersonnel mine Karkarashvili. He does not be- Kahiani) returning from school. The mine lieve in accident. He thinks that was hidden in the haystack. One of the children brushed the hay- stack and the mine detonated. Two of them are very seriously injured – Violeta Cholaria re- ceived head and eye traumas, Shonia Lado lost two legs. Oth- ers received light wounds. Some of them were taken to Zugdidi hospital, others to Rukhi hospital. Abkhazian Office of Public Pros- ecutor doesn’t comment the trag- edy that happened in village Saberio, Gali region. As official sources say, this was an acci- dent, though not for the first time. Facts of peaceful population’s

4 ICBL GC Campaign “Say Yes for Children!”

IN EVERY CHILD WHO • PUT CHILDREN FIRST affect them, consistent with Governments must meet their their evolving capabilities. And COMES INTO THE obligations to children and we must listen and act. WORLD, THE HOPES young people. At the same time, everyone including indi- • EDUCATE EVERY CHILD AND DREAMS OF THE viduals, non-governmental or- All girls and boys must receive HUMAN RACE ARE ganizations, religious groups, a compulsory, free primary BORN ANEW. private sector, children and education of good quality. adolescents themselves – must recognize their respon- • PROTECT CHILDREN April, 2001 in many countries sibility to ensure that child FROM WAR was officially named as the be- rights are respected. Children must be protected ginning of the campaign on the from the horrors of armed con- general mobilization. It is leaded • CARE FOR EVERY CHILD flict. by such international authorities The survival and development as – Nelson Mandela, Kofi of children is the essential • PROTECT THE EARTH Annan and Bill Gaits. foundation of human develop- FOR CHILDREN Aim of the campaign is – mobili- ment. No effort should be There must be the urgent zation of world community in the spared to ensure that children steps by every one of us – in- interests of children and unite get the best possible start in cluding governments, civic them on the base of 10 primary life. society and private sector – to principles, which foresees the assure the well-being and se- improvement of the children po- • FIGHT HIV/AIDS curity of future generations by sition. These principles are: Children, adolescents and safeguarding the environment their families must be pro- at global, national and local • LEAVE NO CHILD OUT tected from the devasting im- levels. Because every girl and boy is pact of HIV/AIDS born free and equal in dignity • FIGHT POVERTY: IN- and rights, all forms of dis- • STOP HARMING AND EX- VEST IN CHILDREN crimination and exclusion PLOITING CHILDREN Because children suffer from against children must end. The violence and abuse that poverty, the fight against it children suffer must be must begin with them. This in- stopped now. And the sexual cludes investing in social ser- and economic exploitation of vices that benefit the poorest children must also end. children and their families, such as basic health care and • LISTEN TO CHILDREN primary education. At the Everyone must respect same time the well-being of the right of children and children must be a priority ob- young people to express jective of debt relief program- themselves and to par- mers, development assistance ticipate in decisions that and government spending.

5 ICBL GC In the process of the campaign’s have the opportunity make this began in London and will be implementation special attention world best place for children” – spread in the whole world. will be attracted to the issues con- says ex-president of UAR – The campaign foresees the uphold cerned the well-being of children. Nelson Mandela. “The program of of the population of as remote vil- The aim of that campaign is to world community, concerned with lages as well the big cities by make the basement of concrete the well-being of children will be means of Internet and the specially activities on all levels –from politi- discussed by the special session published newsletters. In the result cal leaders to common civic popu- of the General Assembly of UN, of campaign it is foresee to gather lation. which will be carried out in Sep- more than 1 million signatures. “World leaders must realize that tember 2001,” – announced the In Georgia the campaign “Say Yes came time to act for making General Secretary of UN – Kofi for Children” officially will begin on children’s rights a reality. I’d like Annan. June1, 2001. . (“Svobodnaya to remind to those who are par- The campaign of the general mo- Gruzia” – 28.04.2001-¹46- ticipates in this campaign – you bilization “ Say Yes for Children” Sakinformo)

hCa GC and ICBL GC join the campaign “Say Yes for Children”

On 8th May 2001, an advisory 2. Edition and distribution of vi- tarian mine clearing – with the meeting - “National Campaign to sual aids – booklets, bro- aim: activation of measures Inform Children about Mine Dan- chures, notebooks and etc at for mine and explosive ger” was carried out by the initia- schools and nursery schools. mechanisms cleaning on the tive of Georgian Committee of territory of Georgia. Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly (hCa 3. Organization of posters’ dis- GC). Organizations-participants play photo works and 7. Carrying out special perfor- were – governmental and non- children’s paintings on 1st of mances of moving puppet governmental organizations, rep- June (Children’s Day). show in summer 2001. resentatives of international or- ganizations and embassies in 4. Multimedia Campaign. Carry- 8. Creation and distribution of Georgia. ing out special meeting with special amusing toys, teach- The aim of the advisory meeting editors of Mass Media with ing games in schools and was – minimization of victims on the aim of free information dis- nursery schools. mines and explosive mecha- tribution (within June 2001) nisms among children. about mine danger. 9. Organization and carrying out the photo display “Be careful, In frames of the advisory meet- 5. Acceptance of the appeal to mine”. ing had been discussed the fol- partisans and governors of lowing issues: Abkhazia for mine war pre- vention. 1. Creation of special decree of Georgian Ministry of Educa- 6. Appeal to governors of tion for teachers of primary peacemaking forces of Rus- military training with the aim sia, to Defense Ministry of of qualified information distri- Georgia, to organizations, bution in the schools. working in the field of humani-

6 ICBL GC ETERI TEMUR MELKADZE – ASTEMIROVA the Head of Scientific – coordinator Department of the Central of “Refuges Department of the against Mines” Extreme Situation and Civic Defense under the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia.

“On the territory of Georgia must be declared the extreme situation. It is necessary the “ According to the carried out sions on the agricultural fields…” special approach for settle- monitoring we found out that since “We decided to address the NGO ment of this problem. There 1994 were registered more than of Abkhazia for the cooperation must be carried the mitigation 90 explosions on mines of the civic and information exchange. The operations, i.e. teaching population. The majority of injured head of one such NGO is Vladimir youth and children about mine are children. That is why we must Kakalia. We want to offer him to danger, and in the case of attract the attention of society to publish, with joined efforts, the list explosion – the carrying out the children awareness problem of victims injured on mines and the special life-operations…. about mines and mine danger…” explosive substances. On the There are central foundations “We must also underline that af- base of this, we can try to support and life-police in all the re- ter the Russian forces began to these people by medical rehabili- gions and cities, but you can act as the peacemakers there tation, gather the injured children not find in them the special- were registered several falsifica- and arrange the rest camps for ists in mine sphere, that is tion activities and were made the them, assist the families of injured why in such cases we ad- mining operations on the territory people etc. This can become a dress the appropriate struc- of river Inguri. That is why there great step ahead for the civic di- tures. As the most effective increased the number of victims – plomacy as there is nothing in way we consider the carrying they are children, old people etc. the world such expensive as the out the special training in There were also registered explo- life and health of human being.” school. In cooperation with UN we have published four guidebooks for 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10 classes. The new sub- TEMUR ject will be called “Security”. LOMSADZE – This program includes not only mines, but also radioac- the deputy of tive and chemical sub- Ombudsman stances. It includes informa- in Georgia tion about the form, types of substances and mechanisms, traumas and their conse- quences, about the signs of their identification and about first medical assistance in case of the accidents. On the territory of Abkhazia there must be carried out more in- “ Government structures of Geor- were left a lot of military equip- tensive and detailed educa- gia must pay their attention on ment, weapon, mines and radio- tional program.” the existence of this problem and active substances. The popula- coordinate its activity on its settle- tion injure from that. It must be ment as after the take off of the created the governmental mine Russian military bases there clearing program.”

7 ICBL GC ELGUJA ALEXANDER RUSSETSKY – TABIDZE – the deputy of the the coordinator of Helsinki Minister of Citizens’ Assembly. Health Protec- tion of “Physicians take an active par- Abkhazia. ticipation in our Antimine move- ment. One of them is George “According to our information the Bibilashvili, who at the present majority of victims consist from moment works on probation in the population of Gali region. Switzerland. He raises such a First medical assistance the in- problem as the – different attitude jured people receive in Zugdidi of civic and military physicians to- Hospital. wards mine wounds. He offers the Ministry of Health Protection to join our Antimine Movement and carry out joined seminar for MAJA KURTSIKIDZE civic and military physicians for – the representative exchanging the information, skills of UNICEF. and knowledge.”

“Our organization has very close contact with Antimine Move- ment. We have carried out the joined seminars for children and teachers in Sugdudi region, were this problem is the most actual because of a great number of refuges living there. These teachers should have shared had mine danger awareness their experience with other idea. Also there were published teachers. We also carried out the posters, booklets and notebooks performances of Puppet moving warning against mines and mine theatre in several villages in co- danger. We want these training operation with the Antimine have the systematization char- Movement. The performances acter, not the spontaneous one.” DAVID JALAGANIA- the representative of the Educa- tion Ministry of Georgia The represen- tative of “There are a lot of problems. When adds the new subject in the Russian educational system the respon- Embassy in sible for this is the Ministry of Edu- Georgia cation. We need to carry out the analysis on the governmental level and the government must take the responsibility. There are a lot of another subjects and we make our best for not making chil- dren overlade. If we decide on account of the fact that this problem is very actual and we “We have pointed out the prob- the governmental level and it is need to add another subject, in lem and I will inform my leader- controlled by our militaries.” this case raises another prob- ship. This issue is discussed on lem. Who will teach and how?

8 ICBL GC We cannot teach only the re- tion. Next step must be done with may not, for the avoidance of ceived information. We have no the Ombudsman of Abkhazia – accidents. May be there is the specialists in the sphere of Murman Chkotua. With the joined methodical educational program demining. There are not such efforts we must gather the infor- teaching the soldiers about the specialists in the Ministry of Ex- mation and support it to the de- elementary security for minimiza- treme Situation. We need the fense Ministry of Georgia. tion of victims.” textbook written by the specialist or we must work out another way. As for the Defense Ministry, we Appeal to the president of more than once have met with We have already had the text- Georgia – EDUARD the minister – Ms.Tevzadze. His book on the Elementary Military SHEVARDNADZE Training, but we can with the spe- attitude to this issue can be called cialists work out the methodical as the destructional. We may say that he actively blocks the accep- Our compatriots suffer from recommendations and add them tance of Ottawa Convention by mines and explosive mecha- to the textbook and in such way Georgia. From the other hand we nisms, scattered on the whole offer it to children.” must say that the Defense Min- territory of our country, particu- istry is the only Georgian organi- larly in the conflict zones. The zation, which acts on the prob- measures, which are carried out ALEXANDER RUSSETSKY – lem of demining. I want to point by the appropriate structures, the coordinator of hCa GNC out the activeness of the Head are less effective. During three of Engineering Department – years of our work situation in this “The issue of informing children Jano Gagoshidze - that leads sphere has not improved, but is is the first one. The second one this work. The main point is that deteriorating every day. is the issue with the Ministry of defense Ministry cannot explain We are asking you to entrust the Health Protection. It agreed to its politics in this issue. concrete person from Your staff uphold this initiative. The Minis- to control this problem. From our try of Health Protection of side, our organization under- Abkhazia agreed to meet and takes to support the information work out the program of coopera- necessary for creating the “Na- tion, in particular to discuss the tional conception on humanitar- issue of military and civic physi- ian mine clearing and informing cians, their problems and what the society about mine danger.” can be done in the sphere of We hope on Your necessary Health Protection with joined ef- support. forts for solving these problems. It would be good if the psycholo- gists and psychiatrists take part Appeal to the Chairman of in the meeting. We must point out the Parliament Committee on that among the people injured on Defense and Security – mines increased the number of suicide. On account of this prob- KORNELI SALIA - lem it would be good the pres- the representative of the ence of representatives of priest- State Border Defense You know how serious is the hood. problem of pollution of the terri- Department tory of Georgia by mine and other explosive substances. The activ- The third issue is the concrete As for the department of State ity of the governmental structures ideas of Eteri Astemirova. For Border Defense - it can be is less effective and cohered. For this we must address the Minis- named as the most interested in ter of Extreme Situation – managing this problem it is nec- this issue, as there are a lot of essary the support of Your com- Malkhaz Kakabadze to add to the border guards exploded on agenda of the Ministry the issues mittee on the assumption of what mines, and not only in the con- we are asking You to bring this of children awareness, monitor- flict zones, but also on the terri- ing of people injured on mines, issue on the agenda of Your tory of military bases. We must etc. this all can be done in frames committee. We are ready to in- also pay attention to the educa- of Civic Diplomacy to make Gali form the members of the commit- tion of soldiers in the engineer- region, and not only this region tee about the existing problems, ing sphere. They must be aware but also and other and also about regulation mea- regions to receive this informa- what they can touch and what sures on the governmental level.

9 ICBL GC Appeal to the Chairman of other explosive mechanisms, ation of National program on Commission on Implementa- on which suffer the inhabitants humanitarian mine clearing and of our country. awareness of society about tion of Human Rights under Only in April of this year mines mine danger. We need your the Council of National injured seven children, one of support. We ask you to put in Security – NUGZAR SADJAIA them died. The activity of the your committee’s agenda this governmental structures is not issue and to listen to our report. You are familiarized with the effective and coordinated. We problem of pollution of the ter- have worked out the number of ritory of Georgia by mines and activities necessary for the cre-

Mine war isn’t ending in Georgia.

Political conflicts subsisting in Georgia caused lots of prob- lems and puzzles. Among them the largest danger springs when our territory is littered with mines and explo- sive mechanisms. Mine prob- lem do not exist only in the conflict zone, but also in bor- der territories and former Rus- sian military bases. The coor- dinator of Helsinki Citizens Assembly Alexander Russetsky gives us interview concerning this problem.

- “The main task of our organi- zation is monitoring of explosive mechanisms, and also people physicians will exchange their ex- one of the real subdivisions of injured on them in the territory of perience. This is directly referred Engineering Department of the Georgia,” - noted Alexander to military and civil surgeons. You Defense Ministry, which is work- Russetsky. The situation is quite know that they work with differ- ing on mine cleaning on these distressing. We must make sig- ent technology and methodology territories. Actually they have lots nificant efforts for informing and on the same problem. We as- of elementary problems. It must defending children and the whole sume that these types of semi- be noted that engineering divi- population. This problem was nars will work more effectively in sions were working on solving raised at our last consultative proceeding giving the cripples mine problems in war period and meeting. Ministry of Education is first aid and the process of their afterwards. We hope to receive attached to this campaign very next treatment. a support from the Head of De- actively. It is planned to carry out fense and Security Committee of large-scale lessons for informing the - children in summer. The Minis- - Mr. Alexander, which struc- tures do you mainly cooperate George Baramidze. try of Health Protection of We continue to cooperate with Abkhazia is attached to this cam- with? - We cooperate with the Minis- the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in paign too. We are going to carry spite of our negative relation to- out consultative meeting at which try of Defense; particularly this is

10 ICBL GC wards the fact that Georgia - Mr. Alexander, as far as I am couldn’t stand for signing of Ot- concerned your committee re- tawa Convention. Probably we will sorted the president of Geor- A woman carry out a consultative meeting on gia and other governors of the their bases and distribute informa- country more than once. Have found the tion concerning this problem. any reaction followed from landmine in their side? - On the territory of Abkhazia her yard. live as Georgians as well the - The reaction from everybody other nationalities and danger is different. They agree with our In 1994 Varvara Gabunia is equal for all of them. It’s suggestions, promise support, found a long metal in her clear that this problem will as- but in the concrete situation no- yard in village Pirveli Gali- sociate you with Abkhazian body wants to take advantage. Constitution Inguri (Hydro- colleagues. The attention is passive. If they electric Power Station Str. - Abkhazian colleagues are take active part in mine cleaning ¹30). She became fright- also associated with this problem process they would do the great- ened of this metal, and very actively. The main issue is est job. covered it with large basin to increase the trust factor. When so that no one could come the thing concerns a person’s life - Victims of mines are mainly closer to it. This metal was and health, we must take charge children. It’s natural that the in her house for nearly of victim minimization and inform- survivors’ psyche is handi- three years, until one day ing the population all together. It’s capped and needs the imme- nearby, on the next street, important for these two break off diate psychological interven- the mine exploded and a peoples to unite even in this mo- tion. How do you manage to victim followed. A child, ment and the peacemaking pro- help them by this point of Paata Jejeia exploded on cess will gradually heighten. view? mine while riding a horse and died. The whole vil- lage gathered there, - By your information how - On 10th of April five children Varvara Gabunia was many people are victims of exploded on mine in Gali region among them. After long mine explosions? and it caused great resonance discussions they called in the society. In the same April the members of UN, - Full data doesn’t exist, for the a mine exploded in hands of a among whom were two given moment nearly hundred child in the reason of which he representatives from India, questionnaires are filled. Despite died, another was injured in others were . this we have information from . It’s clear that this is not Then Mrs.Varvara told Zugdidi about four hundred per- the problem of one child. That’s about the metal she had sons. We try to connect to them why special programs should found in her courtyard. and finish the questionnaire cam- exist. We are civic movement. They went to her house paign. There are nearly 500 vic- The government should do the and took photos of the tims and we don’t have any guar- basic job. It must assume finan- courtyard. The long metal antees that their number won’t cial and psychological refer- turned to be a mine and increase. To experts’ mind 70% ence of victims, what they don’t they also said that if it had of deaths in war period are the do for some reason. exploded it would have results of mine explosions. War Directly as for your question the destroyed everything in is ending, politicians may come Ministry of Health Protection the distance of 200 to an agreement, but mine war cooperates with us. We had meters. isn’t ending, it’s going on... There consultative meetings and it is (This information is re- are more than 150-200 mines planned to make psychological ceived from the grand- buried in ground today in Geor- research to these children. We daughter of that woman – gia. The problem is serious. If all will do everything to appease the student of the Acad- mines implement their mission, their physical and mental an- emy of National Diplo- the greatest tragedy will take guish. We hope that this pro- macy.) place. Unfortunately Georgian cess will begin and real results government does not pay the will be approached. (“Dilis necessary attention to this prob- Gazeti” #106, 12.05.2001. Mari lem. Chitaia)

11 ICBL GC MOVEMENT ON BANNING THE LANDMINES «OTTAWA 98»

GEORGIAN ASSOCIATION OF INTERNATIONAL INFORMATIONAL COMMITTEE OF INVALIDS INJURED HUMANITARIAN CENTER OF GEORGIAN THE ON MINES MOVEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE INTERNATIONAL “REFUGES INTERNATIONAL CAMPAIGN TO BAN AGAINST CAMPAIGN TO BAN LANDMINES LANDMINES” LANDMINES

ABKHAZIAN AZERBAIJANIAN CHECHEN COMMITTEE COMMITTEE COMMITTEE

Refugees Against Landmines. In November, 1999 by the initia- gion concerned with threat of mine tive of the Georgian Committee of danger, by a problem of an oppor- the Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly tunity of safe returning of the refu- and Georgian Committee of the In- gees and IDPs in their cities, vil- ternational Campaign to Ban lages, houses. Into structure of Landmines (ICBL) «Ottawa “- 98” Movement enter the Abkhazian which has sounded at the Inter- Committee, Azerbaijan Commit- national seminar « tee and Chechen Committee. Without Mines », carried out at 16- Now there is a process of expan- • The organization of activities on informing the refugees and 17 of November, 1999 in Baku, sion of frameworks of movement IDPs about mine danger and was created the International Hu- for frameworks of the Caucasian training to protect against it. manitarian Movement (IHM) “ region. Refugees against Mines “. The purpose of movement: as- The movement carries out the The presentation of Movement sistance to maintenance of safe information compilation for the was held at the International returning of the refugees and IDPs database of the mine victims in Conference « Peace Caucasus - in the place of constant living. the Caucasus region. The orga- Future without Mines », organized nization elaborated some projects « Physicians for the Prevention of Tasks of movement: on the following problems: Nuclear War » (IPPNW), Georgian • Assistance to acceleration of Committee of the Helsinki Citizens’ • The organizational office devel- process of connection of the Assembly and Georgian Commit- opment of the humanitarian move- states to Ottawa Convention. tee of the International Campaign ment “refuges against landmines” • Lobbying of preparation and to Ban Landmines (ICBL) «Ottawa in the Caucasus region. acceptance of the appropriate leg- “- 98”, which passed December 5- • Round table - refuges for the 7, 1999 in Tbilisi. islative base forbidding produc- safe return; The International Humanitar- tion, use, stock and import of APM • Regional conference in Tbilisi ian Movement « Refugees against by governments of the states. “Refuges against mine”; Mines » is non-governmental or- • Assistance to process of the • The providing with the infor- ganization, which for today unites world prohibition and destruction mation about mine danger in the refugees of the Caucasian re- of APM. Pankisi canyon.

12 ICBL GC Mine-strewn! Mines!

“Mine-strewn! Mines!” These pre- From right ventive signs are meant for us - the generation of 60-s years. Major George They seemed so old event and Bibilashvili we knew about it from the films about Great Patriotic War. But after the breakdown of the USSR, which occupied 1/6 of the whole world, such terminus came in our life as: Ethno-conflict, hotspot and etc. Everything was beginning from the ethno-con- flicts and were flaring the hotspots on the ruins of great orbs, and after that were turning into frozen, not becoming less dangerous… stomach by multiple metal and The analyze of the cure of the And the fields offormer battles bones debris, dirt and ground. patients with the gun wounds and remained untilled, but neverthe- The damages of the extremities, especially with the mine traumas less under cropped, not with breast and stomach, and also showed, that the civic physicians wheat and maize, but with mines magisterial vessels can be fatal do not know the heart of the pa- made in different countries, dif- if a victim will not receive the fast thology and carry out the treat- ferent constructions and modifi- and qualified medical aid. ment by the methods used in the cations: mines- trap, mines- Medical and the surgical help is peace time (sew up the wound wires, antipersonnel and antitank rather specific. Therefore many after it is worked up, close the mines. The land began useless injured people receive insufficient stump after the amputation and and mines are waiting for their and inadequate medical aid. In etc.) inthe result of what it is victims and they can wait. That Georgia the majority of the in- necessar to make the re-ampu- even today, after 55 years of their jured people consider, that if they tation, and the time of hospital- setting, we often find the mines have received the duly and quali- ization becomes elongated. We of Great Patriotic War period and fied help, the results of their dam- often faced with this problem in they can destroy their victims. ages could be easier. the time of Abkhazian conflict The map of the former Soviet Our statistics shows that the very often the civic physicians, Union became the map of the most part of victims injured on working in the medical services umarked miner fields: Abkhazia, mines consist from peaceful established by the Georgian mili- Samchablo, Nagorny Karabah – population, in particular children. tary forces, lost their patients al- were nobody knows how many All of them are taken to the civic though we consider that every- mines thereare, were and when hospitals and etc. Militaries had thing was done in the right way. they were set. left those zones. The experts of the International Peoples living in these territories Mine-exploded traumas – it is the Committee of Red Cross also became the hostages of the different kind of severe military point on those mistakes. mines as they do not know were, categories, which do not limit only This problem is also well known who and when will explode on by extremity amputation, but also for the doctors of ICRC still work- mine. by the amputation of homeosta- ing in the territories of former con- Consequence of explosion of the sis. Such types of traumas are flict zones and still having prac- APM is not always ending by le- very well known for military doc- tice in the mine wounds. thal usual outcome of amputation tors, which gained the practice in We, members of the group “Phy- of lower extremities. The explo- Afghanistan, called as mine war, sicians against Mines”, think that sion frequently is accompanied while saving the a lot of soldiers. because of the actuality of the by a wound of soft tissue, and This helped them to analyze all problem of the mine wounds, it sometimes genethalies and the mistakes and successes. is important to carry out the sci-

13 ICBL GC entific medical conference in the penetrate into the essence of this We would like to receive your frames of our Antimine move- and many other military patholo- comments, ideas and remarks on ment, in which will take partici- gies and do not make the same that issue. Please contact us pation the physicians from the mistakes in tactics and methods through the editorial staff of this Caucasus and the experts in this of treatment in future activity. newsletter. (George Bibilashvili) issue from other countries not- The common thing joins us – the withstanding there belonging to oath of the doctor is said that we Major George Bibilashvili their organizations, some of must be the guards of the health, Ministry of Defense of Georgia which are military – using the must share our knowledge with Central Military Hospital mines, another – banning them. our colleagues for the welfare of General Surgery Department This conference will give the the patient. Let us unite and think & Activist of HCA. chance to the civic physicians how to make the world healthier.

Checked – No Mines.

Halo Trust – the name of English Martel. We managed to demine The mined fields are located on Non-governmental Organization, 1,050 mines, from them 951 APM the roads, on the pastures, in the created in 1988,which aim is to and 99 ATM. There are also 286 Gumista’s industrial region, in support help in demining, is well unexploded air bombs. agricultural grounds, gardens known in the world. There is not Works were carried out in the ter- and vegetable gardens, farm- one “hotspot” during the last time ritory of 95,720 square meters by lands. Is also mined the bridge were its specialists have not hands, metallic detectors and on near the village Tageloni (Gali’s worked. the territory of 18,259 square region), the bridge which joins Chechnya and Nagorny meters by means of special Gali’s and Zugdidi’s regions, the Karabah, Mozambique and mine-detector machines. Natu- bridge across Gumista, substan- Angola, Kosovo and Kambodgo, rally, we placed the special warn- tial parts of the 27-th road from Eritrea and Somali. Since 1997 ing markings for population in the to Tbilisi and other in- Abkhazia (Georgia) has added to territory of carried works. frastructure. that list. The specialists from But unfortunately there were vic- 200 persons in the last year in Great Britain, who came after the tims. One sapper was wounded Abkhazia worked on demining. invitation of the Georgian Gov- in hand; another lost three fingers Two of them are citizens of the ernment, during three years neu- on the hand. By our data, among Great Britain, others – local – tralize in the Abkhazian Auto- the local population, in the Feb- and Georgians, nomic Republic more than 3,000 ruary 2001in the region of village population who passed the spe- mines – the awful consequence Otobaia, farmer was wounded in cial training course. Notwith- fratricidal conflict. leg. During the last year were standing the fact that we pay a The Manager of the program in killed only animals, in particular lot of attention and energy on Abkhazia – Charley Martel – tells horned cattle. But I think that the supporting the security to our us how passed year in their or- representatives of Red Cross and employees, one of them last year ganization. Red Crescent in this region must was attacked with the firearms’ Visit Card: Charley Martel is 30 have their data on this issue. use and robbed. But such inci- years old. Professional military – Naturally, the existence of mine dents are exception. sapper. Take participation in fields – and they are in the whole The last year’s budget consisted most of Halo Trust’s programs. territory of Abkhazia – negatively from 1,000,000 USA$. The gov- He is in Georgia for seven affects on the everyday life of the ernment of Great Britain, Ger- months. Get into the habit of the local population, on their world many, Denmark, Sweden, everyday life: There was worse outlook. I am sure that the pro- Canada, Japan and one of the in Angola. Single. cess of IDPs return will change social Danish organizations “The last year was rather satu- the temp after this problem is funds this organization. Our ac- rated for us,”- says Charley settled. tivity is current by the Ministry of

14 ICBL GC Foreign Affairs and defense Min- mander of peace forces of CIS levels of importance, first priority istry of Georgia. As a matter of in the zone of Abkhazian conflict, of works. First of all there will be principle, Halo Trust is neutral. we exchange information, but bridges and roads in the regions We contact with all, are ready for there is not participation between of Sukhumi and Gali that will participation as with Sukhumi us. We have our own tasks: they need about two years. The three- authorities as well with the offi- are busy by the military demining, year program of Ochamchire’s cial authorities of in Tbilisi. We we – by human demining. demining (where we yet did not work at the territory of Abkhazia, It is difficult to say anything about work) will be fund by USA. because Georgia admitted only the activity of the representatives In a word, there is a lot of work. I this part of its territory as mined. of the Halo Trust in Georgia. Ev- hope that in the nearest future the The Russian peace forces work erything will depend on the fund- citizens of Georgia will feel the on demining alongside us. Twice ing. That is why we worked out results of our activity in this land a year I meet with the com- the special strategy, defined four of plenty. (Mikhail Aidinov.)

Tank training area in Chognary.

On May 20 the coordinator of You can see the shells found on hCa GNC – Alexander the territory of the tank training Russetsky and the executive area. On the photos of the sec- manager – Mamuka ond visit you can see only the Gachechiladze visited the tank ruins of the base. There are no training area in Chognary. There mines there and the population was there second visit. During often visits the tank training area their first visit the territory was to find and gather the metal mined and it was not allowed to goods, which will be stocked in enter it. On the present moment, the receiver point of non-ferrous the leadership of Imerety region, metal or will be used in the in particular the governor – housekeeping. And what is the Temur Shashiashvili, carried out the clear- ance activities and now it may be called as clear one. These are the photos of the first visit.

most important, the populations of do not think about the danger of possible radiation and left mines. Even after the clear- ance of the territory the security of population is doubtful.

15 ICBL GC Seminar and exhibition in Kutaisi. On May 11 2001 ICBL GNC car- Caucasus People, Center of De- exact information about the ried out the seminar in Kutaisi in mocracy Promotion, Cultural- mined territory and mine victims. the building of the Imerety NGO. Humanitarian fund “Sukhumi” the Concerning to this problem, the The theme of the seminar was: League of Mother’s and Children’ participants of the seminar ex- Defense. pressed their wish to cooperate v Mines and mine danger The seminar began as the pre- with the hCa GNC and ICBL GC The trainer of the seminar was sentation of the newsletter “Mine and to carry out the joined moni- the coordinator of hCa GNC – War”, which was published by toring. They also offered the idea Alexander Russetsky. Among ICBL GNK not long ago in the of attracting the journalists to the the participants were the repre- Publishing house “MIKA”. First of movement. The results of the sentatives of: Kutaisi Brunch of all Alexander Russetsky made seminar were: hCa GNK, “AbkhazInterConti”, an preamble about the mine v To research the problems and Association of Georgian-Ameri- problem in Georgia, about their carry out the joined monitoring. can Relation, the Association of number and mine danger and Attraction of the journalists to Fight against Corruption – presented the photos concerning v the movement “Sachino”, Georgian Youth Eco- mines on the military bases and Movement, Organization of Hu- on other territory of Georgia. He v Concerning the events in Gali man Rights Defense in Georgia, pointed out, that unfortunately, in – to carry out the Project “Trust the Union of the Cooperation of Imereti region there is not the Zone”

PRESS DIGEST The idea of the creation “ In Istanbul was “Two people were “BLACKSEAFOR” – each coun- victims of signed the try must detach one ship - was put forward by . There explosion.” agreement about the several objectives of this organi- zation: carrying out rescue and (Kavkas-press) Two men - creation of the peace-making operations, sup- Almaskhan Logua and Artur military-marine group port the help to the regional coun- Logua - became the victims of tries in case of disasters, Black grenade explosion in the village “BLACKSEAFOR.” Sea mine clearance and carry- of Eshera, Sukhumi region. RGD ing out good will visits. At the type of grenade exploded as a The countries of the Black Sea head of “BLACKSEAFOR” activ- result of careless usage. (“Dilis region will have their own peace- ity will be all the countries of this Gazeti” ¹76 – 6.04.2001) making forces. On April 2, the organization – one after another representatives of 6 countries of in the alphabetical order. Turkey Black Sea region –Turkey, Rus- - country-initiator of “Bomb was looking sia, Georgia, Ukraine, Bulgaria BLACKSEAFOR will lead the first and Romania – signed agree- work of the organization. for in the classical ment about the creation of the (“Svobodnaya Gruzia” ¹37 – gymnasia.” military-marine group of opera- 3.04.2001) tive cooperation Yesterday nearly at 12.30 in “BLACKSEAFOR.” Tbilisi classical gymnasia ¹1 a

16 ICBL GC stranger called to director of the Summit’s (1999) decisions and tages that were carried out in Gali school informing him about the negotiations, obtained in the sixth region lately. We appeal to both bomb installed inside the build- round of Russian-Georgian mili- sides to use all existent mecha- ing. The director of the school - tary negotiations on March 2001, nisms including those that were Liana Shetsiruli - called for po- in Moscow. As Lutskevich says, obtained under the aegis of UN lice and security officers. The in the course of this operation to facilitate peaceful reconcilia- third lesson was being conducted rear, medical, special property tion and traverse the next esca- by that time. The teachers in an and marginal quantity of military lation. We appeal to the sides to organized way let children out equipment will be taken out. respect human rights of people through doors and windows of Transporting property will be de- who were taken as hostages and the gymnasia’s ground floor. Po- livered to and from there contribute to their free meetings lice and security officers continue to Novorosiysk by ships of the with International Humanitarian to look for bomb. As teachers say Bleak Sea Fleet…. Organizations”. Ambassadors of this is more like a false panic. (“Svobodnaya Gruzia”¹40 - April, France, Germany, Russian Fed- Studies in the gymnasia will con- 12. 04.01); (“Akhali Taoba” ¹100 eration, United Kingdom of Great tinue at April 10, Thursday. –12.04.2001); (“Dilis Gazeti”¹81 Britain and Northern Ireland and („Akhali Taoba” Inter-Press. - - 12.04.2001) United States of America sign .7.04 2001.) this declaration. (“Svobodnaya Gruzia”#43. - 21.04.2001.)

“Transportation of “25 years old military base is villager died in “Abkhazian ending.” Gali region.” weapon is sold in

(Kavkaz press) “Transportation On 24th of April in village Gagida, Megrelia.” Gali region, a 25 years old vil- of Vaziani military bases is com- On the market was found the ing to end,”- said major general lager Elgudga Barkaia died in obscure circum- weapon produced in Abkhazia. Nikolay Zolotov - the Com- Factory “Zaria”, re- mander of Russian military stances.Sakinformi was informed about this by informational gion, produces several types of groups located in Transcaucasia. weapon, in particular the accent As he says, that began the load- sources in the conflict zone.As preliminary materials show, is paid on the producing of the ing of different kinds of base pistol “Makarov”, which can be property in the railway carriages. Elgudga Barkaia exploded on landmine, though there are also bought on the territory of Geor- It will be transported to Batumi, gia by 150 lari, and on the Rus- then to on landing steam- other versions. (“Svobodnaya Gruzia” #45, 26.04.2001.) sian territory – by 50-60$. The ships. Zolotov notes that on May- inhabitant of Tkvarcheli – Beslan June the organizational-staffing Harchilava, who has been fight- arrangements will be carried out ing against Georgians, in the on base. After this, the whole pre- present moment, is busy in the mises of the base will be handed “Events in Gali realisation of narcotic and to Georgia.” weapon in the Megrelia region. With two railway echelons – one region cause He sales pistols by 150 lari each. went yesterday, the other would The inhabitant of – Mavrik th agitation.” go on 24 of April – next succes- Gamba, which for the present sive stage of transporting Rus- moment lives in Tkvarcheli on sian military property and equip- Members of the group of the Lakoba Street, is the employer of ment from Georgian Vaziani countries-partners of UN General the factory “Zaria”, sales this base ¹ 137 will be fulfilled. As the Secretary on Georgian issues, in weapon in Russia. With him in Chief of press-service of the Rus- connection with the events car- this business was also engaged sian military groups in ried out in Gali region, signed a the former highway inspector Transcaucasus - Alexander declaration. In particular there is (policeman)– David Gamba. Lutskevich informed Prime-News said: “We are utterly worried Member of one Abkhazian crimi- - this event will be carried out about force facts and taking hos- nal foundation, by nationality – within the frames OSCE Istanbul

17 ICBL GC Abkhazian, Ruslan Jopua sales tourist center “Digomi”, born in the weapon as on Abkhazian ter- 1964 Archil Rurua gave military “Manoeuvres of ritory As well in Russian, particu- equipment to Abkhazian Autono- in-Black Sea larly in city Sochi. Another per- mous Republic security service son engaged in that business, of his own free will. As press ser- countries will be the inhabitant of Tkvarcheli (em- vice of Ministry of Internal Affairs ployer of factory “Zaria”), Russian states – “ Archil Rurua gave 4 held in June.” by nationality – Simonovi, so grenades of A-1 type and 3 deto- called “Sima”. The price of the nators.” The investigation is car- Russia separated out a mine- pistol on the black market is 50- ried out.(“Dilis Gazeti” #89 – sweeper “Gelezniakov” for the 70$. (“Ahalin Taoba”#101 – 23.04.2001.) participation in “Blacksearfor” 13.04.2001 – Tamat Absava) program. Planes of the military-humanitar- ian integration of in-Black Sea nd “Cooperation in countries, who had signed on 2 “A submerged of April, 2001 the Istanbul agree- the sphere of ment about the “establishment of mine is found in the Group of Black Sea marine defense spreads.” cooperation”, fill with the concrete Poti.” consistence. The evidence of this Yesterday the Supreme Legisla- can be the meeting of Navy com- A submerged mine was found in tive Authority ratified the agree- manders of those countries - Poti sea area of water, before ment in military sphere between members of Black Sea marine neutralizing of which all ships and the Defense Ministry of Georgia cooperation (“Blacksearfor”) that natatorium means were taken to and the National Defense Minis- was carried out last week in the safety zone. A submerged try in Lithuanian republic. Signed Tbilisi. The participants of the mine came out in the net of the declaration in 9th of February contacts - acting as commander fishing seiner “Phazisi” today. As 2001 in Vilnius – foresees the of Military-Navy Forces of Geor- acting commander in chief of principles of “Declaration about gia - colonel Gigla Iremadze, Georgian Navyl Forces colonel cooperation between Georgia commander of Black Sea Fleet Avtandil Kvaratskhelia an- and Lithuanian Republic”, signed of Russia - Vladimir Komoedov, nounced to GEA – “ Now sappers in1996 by the presidents of Geor- commander of Military-Navy are working on its neutralization. gia and Lithuania. Forces of Ukraine - admiral In his presumption the mine be- Cooperation between Defense Mikhail Ejel, the Head of Staff of longs to the period of the II World Ministries of both countries in- the Military-Navy Forces of Bul- War. The chief of supervisory dis- cludes many spheres. Among garia - Peter Petrov, commander position of Georgian Navy de- them are: exchange of experi- of Military-Navy Forces of Turkey partment - colonel Irakly ence, received while participat- - Ilkham Erdil, commander of the Kopadze - has another version. ing in NATO program “Partner- North corps of NF of Turkey ad- In conversation with Gea he ship for Peace”; democratic man- miral Ozden Ornek, commander stated that “ Russians simply “did agement of armed forces; forma- of United Military-Navy Forces in the mine away with” while trans- tion of the legal base of armed South - vice-admiral Luiji porting military equipment”. As forces; defense politics, strategy, Lilo, (the representative of Roma- Kopadze says, - “ the mine is planning and budget; interna- nia – commander of Military- quite old and very rusty.” (“Akhali tional support and humanitarian Navy Forces headquarters vice- Taoba” #109. – 23.04.2001.) operations; civil defense planning. admiral Traian Atanasiu was ab- The agreement is signed for 5 sent) discussed issues of devel- years and automatically will be opment of the “Blacksearfor” or- “Voluntarily continued per annually. ganization, its conception and On the same plenary meeting procurations, and also prospects equipment parliament also ratified an agree- of concrete future activity. ment between Defense Ministry Turkey - the initiator of signing the return.” of Georgia and Defense Ministry agreement about the group of of Chinese People’s Black Sea Naval cooperation - (Caucase-press) These days Republic.(“Svobodnaya Gruzia” presented the conception and IDP, who lives in Tbilisi, in the #46, 28.04.2001.) procurations of the organization

18 ICBL GC at the conference in Tbilisi. Ukraine reported the plans about “Georgian majors „After Gumista – rescue operations in frames of were caught red- Guma.” “Blacksearfor”. As commander of Black Sea Fleet - admiral handed on selling Komoedov says –“ it’s decided At the meeting of Foreign Affairs to carry out in Turkey the first weapon.” Minister Mr.Shamba and the conjoint campaign of Military- manager of British organization Navy Fleet ship’s collection and As the deputy chief of criminal “HALO Trust” Mr.Martel was dis- march, where the problems of investigation department of the cussed the issue how the mine- evolving in the sea, minesweep- Ministry of Internal Affairs David cleaning programs are accom- ers, conjoint maneuvering and so Kekua informs -“were caught plished. Apsni-press was in- on will be worked through. red-handed the suspected in sell- formed about this by press cen- Ukraine will head the united ing weapon”. ter of Ministry of Foreign Affairs. headquarters of operative inter- Relying on operative information Mr. Martel informed the minister action of Black Sea Naval Group of the Ministry of Internal Affairs that work on mine cleaning in (BSNG OI) “Blacksearfor”. These and investigation conducted on Gumista massif is coming to end. procurations will be given to 8th of May, in the territory of Gory “The works will be ended within Ukraine for the duration of the region the Chief of peacemaking three-four months, after what year. Then the head of the Black battalion located in conflict zone we’ll begin mine-cleaning in vil- Sea Navy Group OI will be ro- of Georgia- Osetia - major Akaki lage Guma (former Shroma)”, - tated. Each country will send its Kogoshvili; the Head of finance said Mr. Martel. The manager of representatives to the united service of the same battalion - “HALO Trust also announced headquarters. major Korneli Lazarashvili; pro- that works on mine-cleaning had It’s assumed that the participants ducer of peacemaking stuff af- recently begun in village Kindgig. of the group will gather for teach- fairs, living in , Hero Despite this a special group con- ing and maneuvers not more Str. #13, Angela Karmazova; sisting of local inhabitants are than on 60 days. They will spend Robert Vartanov living in Tbilisi, engaged in “Hello Trust”, where the rest of their time in constant in Vazisubani populated area medical sisters and specialists in dislocation points in their coun- and Aliona Kokoeva living in mine cleaning will be prepared. tries, ready to fulfill objectives Tskhinvali, on Jabiev Str.# 72 By Mr. Martel’s words a new of- concerning searching-rescue were caught on fact of selling fire- fice of their organization will be operations, environmental de- arms and ammunition. opened in Ochamchire in the fense, giving humanitarian aid … From cars of Lazarashvili and nearest future. (“Respublika and also carrying out conjoint Kegoshvili Vaz-2109, ¹ 0220-QS Abkhazia” #43, 17-18.+04. teachings. Every country – mem- – “peacemaking guard” and Ford 2001.) (“Dilis Gazeti”#98, ber of “Blacksearfor” finances its ¹1111-QS were taken RPG sys- 3.05.2001.- Sakinformi) activity in these actions itself. tem grenades with 7 targets, 10 Thereby, countries with insignifi- military weapons “Fagot”, and cant navy force seemingly will be 6 boxes of bullets (5,45 caliber, “A grenade presented in Black Sea Navy 8000 points) Group United Forces very mod- …As Kekua says, -“ Lazarashvili exploded in his estly. “Russia has all types of and Koguashvili worked there for hand.” watercrafts (frigate, corvette, a long time, as they are both mine-sweeper, landing ships and majors. …They sold weapon in On May 3, in village Ratevani a etc.), which can be directed to Gory and it had to be transferred grenade of F-1 type exploded in conjoint group,” - announced the to other countries. … Public Of- hands of Kakha J. Shubitidze, as commander of Black Sea Fleet fice Prosecutor of Georgia inves- a result of which he died.The in- admiral Komoedov. For the be- tigates the case. The suspected formation was supported by ginning Russia separated out a are placed in bullpens. (“Akhali press center of the Ministry of minesweeper “Gelezniakov”. Taoba” #126, 10.05.2001.) Internal Affairs.(“Asaval (Nezavisimaya Gazeta, #73, Dasavali” #19, 7-13.05.2001.) 24.04.2001. Vladimir Mukhin.)

19 ICBL GC son who opened the grenade, “Exploded on mine.” “Military shells in died, and another one – town.” Putkaradze – died on the way to The inhabitant of the village the hospital. 10 prisoners and Dikhazurga, Gali region Zaira one citizen, who came to the TB- Tania-Zarkua, born in 1960, ex- (GEA) yesterday, in Chugureti zone to see his relative, were ploded on landmine on April 16. region of Tbilisi, near the territory among the injured people. The She was taken to Sukhumi, to the of the former Russian forces’ mili- hardest operation was made for Republican hospital. The Office tary base were found 10 shells two prisoners – Asanidze and of Public Prosecutor of Gali re- of the grenade cup discharge Kartsivadze. The Ksani’s colony gion investigates this case. The According to the Head of the is surrounded by the special Ministry of Internal Affairs of Re- Tbilisi regional Office of the foundation of the Ministry of Jus- public of Abkhazia informed Transport Police Department – tice, for preventing other acci- Apsni press about this fact on Rezo Gugua, these were 82 mil- dents. (20-26.05.2001 – “Ahali 19th of April.(“Respublika limeters shells, though they did Taoba”#136) Abkhazia” #45, 21-23.04.2001.) not have the detonators. The shells were found after the call of unknown person to the trans- “Sequestration in port department who said that “General visited shells were located at 200 meters the Military the border.” from the former Russian forces military base. The representa- Physician Staff.” tives of Security Service are (Kavkaz-Press) The chairman of working there now. (30.05.2001 The Minister of Social Protection the International Council Union – “Dilis Gazeti” #121) after the meeting with the presi- on the Security Issues of Geor- dent about Mukhrovani events gia - retired general of Great Brit- carried out a brief meeting. As he ain Sur Harry Johnson – yester- says the Ministry of Social Pro- day visited the North border. With “Explosion in the tection will take charge of sol- Johnson, Shatili visited the chair- TB-zone.” diers’ social questions – it’s al- man of the Border Department – ready several months that pen- Valeri Chkheidze, the Head of In the TB-zone of Ksani region, sion service of the military per- the Staff of the Border Forces – in the result of explosion, died 6 sons went under submission of Korneli Salia and the Chairman persons and 5 were heavily in- this very structure. At the same of the Defense and Security jured. The reason of the grenade time Jorbenadze spoke about the Committee Department – Gia explosion is unknown. According optimization of medical staff Baramidze. The goal of the visit to one version, there was the working in military bases. of Mr. Johnson was the quarrel between two prisoners Thereby we must expect soon familiarising with the situation one of which was the “thief in military-medical staff sequestra- there. (31.05.2001 – “Dilis law”. He, Kvashali, the very per- tion.... (30.05.2001 – “Ahali Gazeti” #122) Taoba”#146- Mary Namoradze)

20 ICBL GC CORRESPONDENCE DIGEST

11 prompted DC Mayor Anthony in regional groups, in addition to The General Williams to proclaim this week plenary sessions, in order to take Meeting of the “Ban Landmines Week”. The major decisions on the ICBL’s week included a series of activi- strategic direction and activities International ties and awareness-raising over the next four years by the Campaign to Ban events in the nation’s capital. first Review Conference of the Events included a reception at Mine Ban Treaty in 2004. Landmines. the Organization of American States, embassy visits and a At its last General Meeting in The General Meeting of the In- press conference, shoe pyramid Maputo the ICBL agreed to re- ternational Campaign to Ban and an international demining double its energy and efforts to Landmines (ICBL) met in Wash- demonstration on the capitol achieve universalization of the ington DC 6-7 March 2001. 160 lawn. Exhibits in shopping malls Mine Ban Treaty (MBT), as well participants from 80 country cam- and cafés, “landmine” coasters in as ensure its full implementation, paigns of the ICBL and represen- bars, the first ever amputee with a target of the Review Con- tatives of international organiza- hockey tournament, a film ference in 2004. Towards this tions attended the General Meet- screening of “Land of Iron”, a film end, the General Meeting ing, as well as 20 NGO observ- about landmines in Korea, and a adopted the ICBL 2004 Action ers from an additional 10 coun- mine-related play, are a few of Plan, a comprehensive plan in tries. The General Meeting met the many events which culmi- which the ICBL challenges itself during Ban Landmines Week in nated in a demonstration in to accomplish its goals as quickly Washington D.C. During this Lafayette Park. International and as possible. The development of week, two hundred mine survi- American youth presented hun- the plan was based upon input vors, deminers and campaigners dreds of thousands of petition from National Campaigns, indi- from 90 countries came together signatures across the street from vidual NGOs and working groups in Washington D.C. This marked the White House. The week’s of the ICBL who contributed via the first time that the ICBL con- events ended with an interfaith email and fax and through dis- verged in the United States of prayer service. The week’s cussions in regional meetings America. Simultaneously, 200 events were successful and gar- throughout the previous 6 month activists from 46 of the 50 states, nered much media coverage, period. A draft was considered including members of Students both nationally and internation- at a special meeting of the CC, Against Landmines from schools ally. Queen Noor, USCBL chair dedicated to this purpose, held nation-wide, met in Washington Jerry White and ICBL Youth in Geneva in December 2000. for a USCBL national conference Ambassador Song Kosal also This General Meeting considered and four days of activities includ- met with Secretary of State Colin a revised draft incorporating fur- ing over 300 meetings with their Powell during the week. ther input and adopted it as the Congressional representatives. ICBL 2004 Action Plan. The re- While in the US capital, interna- The General sults of the regional and working tional and US activists alike group meetings at the General urged the US government to join Meeting. Meeting are considered to be the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty. concrete ideas to be taken up The General Meeting received within the framework of the 2004 reports from the chairs of its vari- Action Plan by the various work- ous working and administrative ing groups within the campaign. Ban Landmines groups, and its coordination com- It is the intention of the general Week. mittee on the progress of the meeting that these results be re- ICBL since its last General Meet- ferred to the relevant working The presence of the ICBL and ing in May 1999 in Maputo, groups and regional groups for USCBL in Washington for their Mozambique. Participants met consideration and follow-up. general meeting from March 5- in thematic working groups and

21 ICBL GC The 2004 Action approach to the landmines cri- In addition, the Coordinating sis. The plan elaborates steps to Committee informed the General Plan. accomplish these goals, general Meeting about the hiring of two priorities and strategies and is- new staff persons to support the The preface states “The ICBL sues common to all regions of the implementation of the 2004 Ac- recognizes that time is of the es- ICBL network as well as strate- tion Plan. sence in the furtherance of its gies by thematic area (victim as- goals. While it has managed to sistance, mine clearance, mine/ The next ICBL General Meeting help keep a global focus on the uxo awareness and risk educa- elimination of mines, and thus an is scheduled for 2003 and the tion, stockpiles and their destruc- Coordination Committee will un- impressive momentum that has tion, non-state actors, campaign- continued largely unabated, its dertake the necessary arrange- ing and youth.) ments. members know that the interna- The plan also includes steps to tional community eventually will achieve the goals of the ICBL, on move on to other issues. It is in a region-by-region, year-by-year ICBL Action Plan this context that the ICBL has basis. A copy of the full plan is 2004. challenged itself to increased available from the ICBL or on the activity over the next years to website at http://www.icbl.org/ PREFACE bring about its goals as quickly info/actionplan/ as possible. To give shape to the The International Campaign to Ban Landmines was formally challenge, the ICBL has devel- Structural changes to the ICBL oped the following 2004 Action launched in October of 1992 as during the General Meeting in- a response of concerned orga- Plan. However, the ICBL also cluded: assumes flexibility and multiple nizations and individuals to the The ICBL General Meeting activities to be carried on within v humanitarian crisis posed by the noted that two CC members working groups, national cam- proliferation of antipersonnel have stepped down: Physicians paigns and regions over the com- landmines. A loose coalition of for Human Rights and the Italian ing years. The plan will be as- like-minded non-governmental Campaign to Ban Landmines. organizations (NGOs), the ICBL sessed regularly and in particu- The ICBL expresses its deep ap- lar preceding 2004.” has sought an international ban preciation and welcomes their on the use, production, stockpil- continuing commitment to the ing and transfer of antipersonnel ban on landmines, particularly as landmines, and increased The overall goals of the 2004 they focus on their national cam- resources for mine action and for Action Plan include: paign efforts. victim assistance. 1. Universalization of the Mine v The ICBL General Meeting The ICBL has been tremen- Ban Treaty (MBT) accepted the continuation of the dously successful, growing from twelve remaining members on 2. Compliance with the treaty a handful of NGOs, to the global the CC: Afghan Campaign to provisions movement that it is today, and in Ban landmines, Association for so doing, has been recognized 3. Increased and sustained re- Aid and Relief-Japan, Cambo- as the engine driving the creation source commitments (e.g., dian Campaign to Ban of the Mine Ban Treaty. Its work government, international fi- Landmines, Colombian Cam- has also helped generate in- nancial institutions, etc.) for paign Against Landmines, creased resources for mine ac- mine clearance, mine aware- Handicap International, Human tion and for victim assistance, ness and victim assistance, Rights Watch, Kenya Coalition and the ICBL reaffirms commit- Against Landmines, Landmine and for stockpile destruction ment to the three pillars of its Survivors Network, Lutheran, work: the ban, mine action and 4. Firm establishment of the World Federation, Mines Action victim assistance. norm, as an international Canada, Norwegian People’s standard of behavior by all. Aid, and the South African Cam- paign to Ban Landmines. While the ICBL has never sought to establish itself as an institution While each goal is important on v The ICBL General Meeting in perpetuity, its members recog- its own, all of the overall goals of invited one new member to the nize the mission of the ban move- the ICBL inform one another as CC: the German Initiative to Ban ment is the total elimination of AP the ICBL promotes a coherent, Landmines, thus bringing the to- mines. This requires not only the comprehensive and integrated tal number of CC members to 13. universalization of the Mine Ban

22 ICBL GC Treaty (MBT), but also its imple- To try to help focus our energy, mine clearance, mine aware- mentation and compliance, and thinking and resources toward ness and victim assistance, strengthening of its provisions. that end, the following plan was and for stockpile destruction This will help to establish the new developed for the Third ICBL 4. Firm establishment of the international standard of behav- General Meeting in March 2001 norm, as an international ior - a new international norm — in Washington, DC. The devel- standard of behavior by all. so that the use of landmines any- opment of the plan was based where by anyone will be consid- upon input from National Cam- ered anathema. paigns, individual NGOs and While each goal is important on working groups of the ICBL. Liz its own, all of the overall goals of The ICBL recognizes that time is Bernstein and Jody Williams the ICBL inform one another as of the essence in the furtherance oversaw it. the ICBL promotes a coherent, of its goals. While it has man- comprehensive and integrated aged to help keep a global focus A basic outline of elements of a approach to the landmines crisis. on the elimination of mines, and timeline was drawn up; a ques- thus an impressive momentum tionnaire formulated for the vari- that has continued largely un- ous regions and working groups abated, its members know that for their input into the plan was the international community circulated and suggestions re- eventually will move on to other ceived were incorporated into the issues. It is in this context that outline to formulate a draft. This the ICBL has challenged itself to draft was considered at a special increased activity over the next years to bring about its goals as meeting of the CC, dedicated to quickly as possible. To give this purpose, held in Geneva in shape to the challenge, the ICBL December 2000. New drafts has developed the following were circulated, and inputs from 2004 Action Plan as a framework various campaigns, regional for activities. However, the ICBL campaign meetings and working also assumes flexibility and mul- groups addressed. Every effort tiple activities to be carried on was made to have the broadest within working groups, national consultation and inputs so that campaigns and regions over the the plan reflects the thinking of coming years. The plan will be all of the ICBL. It was then assessed regularly and particu- adopted by the ICBL General larly in 2004. Even though the Meeting in Washington DC 6-7 ICBL has developed the 2004 March 2001. Action Plan, the ICBL’s goal re- The Plan that follows below ad- mains the immediate ratification dresses goals, priorities and and implementation of the Mine strategies to reach the goals, Ban Treaty. suggested structures of the ICBL to achieve the goals, as well as BACKGROUND / the resources needed. The ICBL will also ensure its ethical con- OVERVIEW. cerns are reflected throughout the plan. At its General Meeting held in Maputo, Mozambique in May GOALS. 1999, the ICBL agreed to re- 1. Universalization of the Mine double its energy and efforts to Ban Treaty (MBT) achieve universalization of the Mine Ban Treaty (MBT), as well 2. Compliance with the treaty as ensure its full implementation, provisions with a target of the Mine Ban 3. Increased and sustained re- Treaty Review Conference, man- source commitments (e.g., dated by the Treaty to be held government, international fi- sometime in 2004. nancial institutions, etc.) for

23 ICBL GC

Editor: Alexander Russetsky Technical Editor: Narine Berikashvili Design: Marika Mamuchishvili

TO READERS ATTENTION!

Since February 2001 GNC of ICBL begins to publish the newsletter “ Mine War”. It will contain the information about mine problem in Georgia, mine casualties, mine victims, new technology on demining etc. The newsletter will be issued once in two months. You can subscribe to it or buy its single numbers. If you have any questions, please apply to the following address: 31.Tsinamdzgvrishvili Str. 380002, Tbilisi, Georgia, Tel: (995 32) 969905 Tel/Fax: (995 32) 961514

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