Because of activists' efforts to educate the public, energize grass roots, and cooperate with colleagues in other countries, the struggle to ban landmines is now center stage. The world now knows the terrible legacy of these hidden killers, and now has a plan to eliminate them. Congratulations to all of you for the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize awarded to the International Campaign to Ban Landmines. Unlike most years, when an individual is honored for his or her achievements, this year's prize went to an entire movement, an idea, a cause. Each of the thousands of people in the 1,000 groups worldwide that comprise the campaign share in this Peace Prize.
Today there is more momentum for a landmine ban than ever.
At the moment, that may look like a long shot. But if we keep the pressure on, . . . . . . if the grass roots continue their remarkable efforts, . . . . . . we might just change some minds at the White House. When I was elected to Congress last fall, I admit that I did not know much about landmines. It's not an issue a Portland City Council member routinely deals with. But it did not take me long to learn, thanks to the incredible leadership in Congress.