Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia declare the Ottawa Treaty, which prohibits the usage of anti-personnel mines. "In the light of the unstable safety environment marked by Russia's aggression and its continuing threat to the Euro-Atlantic community, it is essential to measure all means of deterrence and defence", the message states. The decision was notified by the Lithuanian Ministry of Defence.
‘Since the ratification of the Convention to prohibit the usage of anti-personnel mines (Ottawska Convention) the safety situation in our region has deteriorated considerably" - they wrote in a joint message by the Defence Ministers of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. As added, military threats to NATO associate States bordering Russia and Belarus have increased significantly.
‘In the light of this unstable safety environment, marked by Russia's aggression and its continuing threat to the Euro-Atlantic community, it is essential to measure all measures aimed at strengthening our deterrence and defence capabilities", the message states.
It has been reported that "in the current safety environment, it is highly crucial to supply our defence forces with flexibility and freedom to choose the possible usage of fresh weapons and solutions to strengthen the defence of the susceptible east Alliance flank".
"In the light of these considerations, we, the defence ministers of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland, unanimously urge withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention. erstwhile we make this decision, we send a clear message: our countries are prepared and can usage all the essential means to defend our territory and freedom," it is noted.
"Despite our withdrawal, we will stay committed to global humanitarian law, including civilian protection during the armed conflict. Our peoples will proceed to follow these principles, while besides gathering our safety needs," the Communication concluded.
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