London - The British government looks likely to ratify the proposed international ban on landmines before the anniversary of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, it emerged yesterday, writes Rachel Donnelly.
The move could see MPs and peers sitting at Westminster to consider the legislation on Friday, July 10th, which had originally been set aside as a non-sitting day, to ensure the ban is in force before Princess Diana's anniversary on August 31st.
The plan, announced after a cabinet meeting yesterday, follows intense speculation that the government's business managers had refused to allow enough parliamentary time for the Bill to guarantee its completion in time for the anniversary.