The Social Democrat politician told journalists on Monday that the Ministry of Defense of Lithuania is evaluating the situation together with the Minister of Foreign Affairs. “They will work it out. I believe that we should withdraw,” said the Prime Minister of Lithuania.
The idea of withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention was previously expressed by the former Minister of Defense Laurins Kasčuns from the opposition conservative party “Fatherland Union – Lithuanian Christian Democrats” in the Seimas, saying that it was recommended by the army.
Commander of the Lithuanian Armed Forces General Raimunds Vaikšnors and the current Minister of Defense Dovile Šakaliene have also expressed their support for the idea of withdrawing from the convention that bans landmines.
Kasčun, who is now the deputy chairman of the Defense and Security Commission of the Seimas, promised on Monday to start a campaign to collect citizens’ signatures in order to get the issue considered in the Seimas. This is what he would do if the Ministry of Defense did not develop an action plan by the beginning of the spring session of the Seimas.
Minister of Defense Šakaliene stated that she has not yet received an official assessment of the army officials.
She also added that a unified regional strategy is important, so it will be discussed in meetings with regional colleagues.
Last week, Vaikšnor said that he supports Lithuania’s withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention.
“We see what is happening in Ukraine – if you follow the rules, while the enemy, the adversary does not follow the rules, you are automatically in a somewhat losing position,” he told reporters.
“We have said, spoken that something must be done. And if there is a political will to do it, I will only support it, because it will free our hands,” added the commander of the Lithuanian Armed Forces.
The Ottawa Convention, or the Convention on the Prohibition and Destruction of the Use, Stockpiling and Production of Landmines, stipulates that the countries that have signed the document undertake, first of all, “never and under no circumstances to use landmines”. The document, which entered into force in 1999, has been joined by more than 160 countries of the world, including most of the Western countries. Lithuania joined the convention in 2004.
In July 2024, the Lithuanian parliament supported the withdrawal of the country from the cluster munitions ban convention. The withdrawal from the so-called Oslo Convention will take effect in March.
In order to withdraw from the convention, a decision of the president and the support of at least 86 out of 141 members of the Seimas are required.
Lithuania Considers Withdrawal from Anti-Landmine Treaty: Examining the Risks adn Implications
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Lithuania’s Prime Minister has signaled support for the country’s withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention,a treaty banning the use,stockpiling,production,and transfer of anti-personnel landmines. This controversial move, prompted by concerns over Russia’s disregard for international agreements, has sparked debate within Lithuania and beyond. We spoke with Dr. Rasa Jukneviciute, a security analyst and expert in international humanitarian law at Vilnius University, to discuss the potential ramifications of Lithuania’s decision.
The Case for Withdrawal: Lithuania’s Security Concerns
World-Today-News Senior Editor: Dr. Jukneviciute, Lithuania’s leaders cite Russia’s actions in Ukraine as justification for potentially breaking with the Ottawa Convention. Can you elaborate on those concerns?
Dr. Rasa Jukneviciute: The Lithuanian government argues that Russia’s blatant disregard for international norms, including its indiscriminate use of landmines in ukraine, puts Lithuania at a disadvantage. Their argument is that adhering to the Ottawa Convention while facing an adversary who disregards it leaves Lithuanian forces vulnerable. They believe that having the option to use landmines, as a last resort, could be necessary for national defense.
Opposition and International Reaction: A Breach of Trust?
World-Today-News Senior editor: However,critics argue that abandoning the Ottawa Convention would have far-reaching consequences. What are the potential reputational and diplomatic costs for Lithuania?
Dr. Rasa Jukneviciute: Lithuania joining the Ottawa Convention was a major commitment to humanitarian principles and international law. Withdrawing from it would undoubtedly tarnish Lithuania’s image as a responsible member of the international community. This could strain relationships with other signatory states,especially those in Europe and NATO who strongly support the ban on landmines.
The Justification for Landmines: A Question of Military Necessity
World-Today-News Senior Editor: Some argue that landmines are effective tools for defense, particularly against a larger invading force. Do you believe this argument holds weight in the context of Lithuania’s security concerns?
Dr. Rasa Jukneviciute: The argument for landmine use rests on the idea that they can act as a deterrent against invading forces, creating a meaningful obstacle course. However, their indiscriminate nature and devastating long-term impact on civilians cannot be ignored. Even if deployed strategically, there’s a high risk of unintended casualties, and the long-lasting threat posed by unexploded mines undermines development and stability for generations.
A Search for Alternatives: strengthening Conventional Defense
World-Today-News Senior Editor: what alternatives could Lithuania explore to address its security concerns without resorting to landmines?
Dr. Rasa Jukneviciute: Lithuania should prioritize strengthening its conventional defense capabilities, investing in sophisticated surveillance systems, and enhancing intelligence gathering. Moreover, bolstering cooperation with NATO allies and actively participating in joint training exercises can substantially improve Lithuania’s defense posture.
