10 Florida United Methodist Review Online

Women ask United States
to ban land mines

Approximately 70 million land mines are scattered throughout 68 countries, killing or maiming approximately 26,000 people each year, according to a press release issued by the United Methodist Women’s Action Network. Children below the age of 15 account for up to 40 percent of the casualties.

Dec. 3 is the anniversary of the signing of the international Mine Ban Treaty, which now involves 130 countries, but not the United States. The United Methodist Women’s Action Network is supporting the United States Campaign to Ban Land Mines in urging President Bill Clinton to sign the Mine Ban Treaty.

Americans are being asked to call the White House (212-456-1111) Dec. 3 or send an e-mail (president@whitehouse.gov) asking the president to sign the treaty.