Washington - The US last night reversed its was were allowed to keep using the weapons on South Korea's border with North Korea for a further nine years.
Canada said last night it would be willing to discuss the US idea to allow a nine-year, phase-in period before full implementation of a landmines ban. Representatives of more than 100 countries are in Oslo this week to negotiate a draft treaty banning the production, export, use and stockpiling of anti-personnel landmines. The ban idea has been driven by Canada.
Meanwhile, White House officials have acknowledged that pressure from public opinion after Princess Diana's death has forced a change of US policy in favour of banning antipersonnel landmines.