wfn.org | Landmines Rally

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"UNITED METHODIST DAILY NEWS 97" by SUSAN PEEK on April 15, 1997 at 14:24
Eastern, about DAILY NEWS RELEASES FROM UNITED METHODIST NEWS SERVICE (347
notes).

Note 346 by UMNS on Sept. 24, 1997 at 16:22 Eastern (2214 characters).

Contact: Linda Bloom				533(10-21-71B){345}
	New York (212)  870-3803				Sept. 24, 1997

EDITORS NOTE: Photo available

Washington rally supports
global ban on landmines

	WASHINGTON (UMNS)  United Methodists were among the participants in a Sept.
22 lunch-time rally on the steps of the U.S. Capitol here, calling for U.S.
support of a global ban on landmines.
	Sponsored by the United Nations Association/USA, the rally was attended by
Democratic and Republican members of Congress and supporters of the U.S.
Campaign to Ban Landmines.
	The Rev. R. Randy Day, senior pastor of Jesse Lee Memorial United Methodist
Church in Ridgefield,  Conn.,  said he felt "a sense of euphoria and urgency" 
regarding the final negotiated treaty adopted by 89 nations recently in Oslo,
Norway. "This is the first time since the end of World War I that the nations
of the world have banned an active weapons system," he added. "It is a
stunning accomplishment."
	But his sense of urgency "centers on the very disappointing fact that the
United States refused to embrace this treaty," Day said. "It is regrettable
that the worlds one remaining superpower did not provide strong leadership in
the international negotiations."
	Noting that antipersonnel landmines kill an estimated 26,000 victims around
the world each year, Day added that President Clintons pledge to "eventually"
support a total ban "will not halt this mass murder in slow motion."
	Among those addressing the rally were Senator Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., and 
Congresswoman Connie Morella, R-Md., both of whom called upon the Clinton
Administration to reverse its position and sign the treaty in Ottawa in
December. They also called for support of the Landmine Elimination Act of
1997, now before Congress.
	Also attending the rally were Anna Rhee, a Womens Division executive, United
Methodist Board of Global Ministries; Howard Hallman, chairman, Methodists
United for Peace; and Robin Ringler, Peace with Justice program director for
the United Methodist Board of Church and Society.
	A photographic exhibit, "The Landmine Crisis in Cambodia," currently is on
view in the lobby of the United Methodist Building on Capitol Hill.
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