“Flexible in fighting” Balties want to go out of anti -person Mijnen contract

The contract was concluded in 1997 and signed by more than 160 countries, including Austria. At the time, the Austrian government was one of the initiators of the contract, which was drawn up by the Red Cross with representatives of civil society and the International Committee.

Minister of Defense of Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia have now recommended the withdrawal of their countries from the agreement. “With this decision we send a clear message: our countries are prepared and can take all the necessary measures to defend our territory and freedom,” says a joint explanation. At the same time, they emphasized that they would still remain compulsory for humanitarian international law. The protection of the civilian population also has during an armed conflict.

Concern for your own security
Poland and the Baltic states have a common border with Russia. Just like the White House and the Government of China, the Kremlin has never become a member of the Anti-Person Mines Convention. All four NATO countries see the war in Ukraine as a direct danger to national security. Against this background, the demand for an exit from the agreement can also be seen.

“We are convinced that in the current safety environment it is of the utmost importance to give our defense forces flexibility and freedom of choice with regard to the potential use of new weapon systems and solutions to strengthen the defense of the vulnerable eastern flank of the Alliance,” says it.

A possible output of the contract is also discussed in Finland. The decision in Poland, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia must still be approved by the governments and parliaments.