Pope calls for complete ban on landmines

Pope Benedict on Sunday called for a total global ban on the use of landmines.

Eighty percent of states have signed the 1997 convention banning antipersonnel mines.

However, the United States, China and Russia are among 38 nations that have not signed the Ottawa treaty, which was the first global accord against landmines.

" ... These weapons, which continue to cause victims, including many children, should be completely banned," Benedict said at his weekly Angelus blessing.

He gave his support to a conference of nations that have banned landmines which opens in Jordan on Sunday.