Four NATO countries announce withdrawal from Ottawa Convention on anti-personnel mines, citing Russia-Belarus relationship

Poland and the Baltic states of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia said they plan to withdraw from the Ottawa convention banning anti-personnel mines.

The Ottawa Convention, adopted in 1977, prohibits the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of anti-personnel mines. (Source: The Strategist)

Reuters news agency said that in a joint statement released on March 18, the defense ministers of the four countries emphasized: " Military threats to North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member states that share borders with Russia and Belarus have increased significantly."

According to the ministers, in the current security environment, it is of paramount importance to provide the defense forces with flexibility and freedom of choice in using new weapons systems and solutions to strengthen the defense capabilities of the vulnerable eastern flank of the military alliance.

"With this decision, we are sending a clear message: our nations are ready and able to use any means necessary to protect our security needs," the statement said.

In a separate statement, Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovile Sakaliene said the plan to withdraw from the convention was aimed at effectively protecting the region's borders.

The International Convention on the Prohibition of Anti-Personnel Mines, commonly known as the Ottawa Convention, was adopted in 1977 and prohibits the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel mines. To date, 164 countries have joined the Convention, but not the United States, Russia, or China.

According to Reuters , the withdrawal of Poland and three Baltic countries from the Ottawa Convention will allow these countries to start stockpiling anti-personnel mines again.

Earlier this month, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Warsaw would begin taking steps to leave the convention. The four countries have long considered withdrawing and want to make a joint decision.

According to Politico , this is a political signal sent to Moscow rather than reflecting urgent military needs, in the context of the Russia-Ukraine conflict causing neighboring countries to strengthen border defenses.

Meanwhile, Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur made it clear: "Decisions related to the Ottawa Convention need to be made in solidarity and coordination in the region. Currently, we have no plans to develop, stockpile or use banned anti-personnel mines."

Finnish Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen said Helsinki is also considering leaving the Convention.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/bon-nuoc-nato-danh-tieng-rut-khoi-cong-uoc-ottawa-ve-min-sat-thuong-lay-ly-do-lien-quan-nga-belarus-308011.html