Consecutive Interpretation: English to Chinese

　　In this part you are going to hear a welcome speech by Mr. Vladimir Petrovsky, Director-General of the United Nations Office at <> at the opening ceremony for the Second Meeting of the States Parties to the Mine Ban Convention. Please interpret the speech into Chinese.

　　Let’s begin.

　　(//表示停顿)

　　[TONE]

　　Mr. President,

　　Ladies and Gentlemen,

　　It is my great pleasure to welcome you all for the second meeting of the States Parties to the Mine Ban Convention. I would like to extend my greetings to you, Mr. President and to all the distinguished guests and delegates here today. [TONE] // [TONE]

　　I would also like to recognize the presence of three generations of landmine survivors who have traveled here from many countries. They are a constant reminder of the urgency of achieving a total and universal ban on anti-personnel mines. [TONE] // [TONE]

　　As a Special Representative of the Secretary-General to the Conference on Disarmament, I am very much encouraged by the many strides made towards the total eradication of anti-personnel mines which provide us with a good example for disarmament efforts in all directions. The opening of the International Center for demining here in Geneva in 1996 and the entering into force of the Mine-Ban Convention in March 1999 are a few of the milestones which merit special mention. [TONE] // [TONE] The overwhelming commitment of the international community towards the goal of the complete eradication of the scourge of land-mines and the full implementation of the Convention is evident here today. [TONE] // [TONE]

　　Governments and the public at large are increasingly recognizing the vital importance of success in this humanitarian undertaking and the costs of failure. [TONE] // [TONE] The urgency conveyed by the theme chosen for this second meeting: "Every minute counts" is all too apt as 27 people are killed by landmines every day and 41 are seriously injured. One out of two victims is a child. As the human being should remain at the center of everything we do, assistance to victims must be accorded the highest political importance. [TONE] // [TONE]

　　We at the United Nations, are deeply engaged in this work and are gratified that to date, more than 100 States have signed the Ottawa Convention, reaffirming their unwavering commitment to the total eradication of anti-personnel mines. It is one of a core group of treaties for which the UN Secretary-General is making a sustained effort during the Millennium Summit to encourage further adherence. [TONE] // [TONE]

　　Finally, I would like to congratulate the artists whose paintings and sculptures exhibited here dramatize the enormity of the challenge posed by landmines. I would like to thank those who have organized the many side events that will take place here and throughout the city of <> in the coming days.

　　My best wishes to all the participants for a successful meeting.

　　Thank you for your attention. [TONE] // [TONE]