Tonight we are engaging in one of the oldest rituals of civilization: peacefully breaking bread in the company of friends. But a serious purpose accompanies each course of this dinner. It is to reinforce official humanitarian demining efforts of the United States, Canada and other countries to safeguard the lives and limbs of people in mine affected countries. These efforts include restoring mine infested agricultural lands to productive use, thereby helping others to better feed themselves and feed their families. For how can a nation be at peace if its people are hungry and if those people live in fear?

So I thank you and I toast you tonight for coming together for this most noble cause. Thank you once again and bon appetit!"

_____________________________________________

Secretary Powell hosted his own dinner on November 27 to honor public-private partnerships for humanitarian demining and to help celebrate the Night of a Thousand Dinners.

The U.S. Department of State's Office of Mine Action Initiatives and Partnerships encourages private sector support to accelerate the pace of humanitarian demining. This is accomplished through a growing network of public-private partnerships that span the spectrum of mine action, from actual demining, to minefield surveys, mine awareness and education, and rehabilitation for survivors of landmine accidents.

Since 1993, the United States has provided more than $500 million dollars in humanitarian demining assistance to mine affected countries around the world. Almost forty countries currently receive assistance through the U.S. Humanitarian Demining Program.