Poland and the Baltic States declare the Ottawa Convention on the prohibition of anti-personnel mines

Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia have decided to terminate the Ottawa Treaty which prohibits the usage of anti-personnel mines. This information was provided by the Lithuanian Ministry of Defence, justifying the expanding military threat in the region.

The defence ministers of the 4 states in their authoritative message stressed that "the safety situation in our region has deteriorated significantly". They pointed to Russia's aggression and the expanding threat from Belarus as the main reasons for this decision.

The message stresses the request to re-evaluate all measures aimed at strengthening defence and deterrence. Ministers noted that the current conditions require flexibility in the choice of defence measures and fresh weapons systems.

"In the current safety environment, it is highly crucial to give our defence forces the freedom to choose whether or not to usage modern military solutions," the Communication states.

Ministers besides stressed that this decision was intended to send a clear signal of the readiness of their countries to defend their territory.

The Ottawa Convention and current realities

The Ottawa Treaty, signed by Poland in 1997, prohibits the use, storage, production and transfer of anti-personnel mines. The Convention's signatories committed themselves to eliminating specified weapons from their arsenals, arguing with humanitarian reasons.

However, according to the signatories to the latest agreement, the global situation has changed importantly and modern conflicts require a re-examination of the restrictions imposed by the Treaty.

"Despite our withdrawal, we will stay committed to global humanitarian law, including civilian protection during the armed conflict", the Communication stressed.

Members of the decision

The paper recommending withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention was signed by: Minister of Defence of Estonia Hanno Pevkur, Minister of Defence of Latvia Andris Spruds, Minister of Defence of Lithuania Dovile Sakaliene and Head of the Polish MON Władysław Kosiniak-Kamish.

This decision is controversial internationally, but the representatives of the states stress that it is due to the request to adapt to the rapidly changing geopolitical situation in east Europe.