First, we will end all use of our APL outside of Korea by 2003 and seek to have APL alternatives ready for Korea by 2006.

• We already have destroyed 3.3. million non-self destructing APL. These are the type that can last for decades and cause the humanitarian problems when used irresponsibly.
• We are keeping only those non-self destructing APL needed for the defense of Korea and for training.

Second, the U.S. will sign the Ottawa Convention by 2006 if we succeed in identifying and fielding suitable alternatives to our APL and our mixed anti-tank systems by then. (U.S. mixed anti-tank systems are considered APL under the Convention.)

• We are working aggressively to identify suitable alternatives.

Third, we are seeking a ban on the export and transfer of all APL within the Conference on Disarmament, which includes key states (Russia, China, India, Pakistan) not part of the Ottawa Convention.

• The U.S. already announced a unilateral export ban in January 1997 (previously, a moratorium in place since 1992).

Fourth, we are seeking U.S. ratification of the Amended Mines Protocol to the Convention on Conventional Weapons (CCW), which also likely will capture key states not part of the Ottawa Convention. (China already has ratified.) It is before the Senate.

• The Protocol's restrictions eliminate irresponsible APL use. It entered into force on December 3, 1998.

Finally, we are the world leader in humanitarian demining efforts. Through President Clinton's Demining 2010 Initiative, we are working to build effective international coordination and raise $1 billion per year -- from public and private sources -- to reach our goal of removing by 2010 all mines that threaten civilians.

• USG assistance, begun in 1993, supports humanitarian demining programs in 24 countries with education, training, and equipment. The U.S. has contributed more than $272 million since 1993 to this effort.
• The U.S. also supports assistance to victims of landmines and other war-related casualties through the Patrick J. Leahy War Victims Fund. The U.S. has provided almost $46 million to the Fund since its inception in 1989.