Latvia Exits Ottawa Convention; Baltics First, Effective in 6 Months
- RIGA, Latvia (AP) — The Latvian parliament, the saeima, has voted to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, the international treaty banning the use of anti-personnel mines. The decision,...
- The primary justification for Latvia's withdrawal centers on the evolving security landscape in the Baltic region, a situation markedly different from when Latvia initially joined the treaty two...
- According to a statement, Russia's actions in ukraine have demonstrated a disregard for international law and the sovereignty of nations.
Latvia to Exit Ottawa Treaty Amid Regional Security Concerns
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RIGA, Latvia (AP) — The Latvian parliament, the saeima, has voted to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, the international treaty banning the use of anti-personnel mines. The decision, supported by 66 deputies with 14 against and two abstentions, comes as the nation reassesses its security posture considering regional tensions.
Security Concerns Drive Decision
The primary justification for Latvia’s withdrawal centers on the evolving security landscape in the Baltic region, a situation markedly different from when Latvia initially joined the treaty two decades ago.
According to a statement, Russia’s actions in ukraine have demonstrated a disregard for international law and the sovereignty of nations. This necessitates that Latvia maintain flexibility in its defense strategies, including access to a full range of weapon systems.
What is the Ottawa Convention?
The Ottawa Convention, formally known as the “Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction,” was adopted Sept. 18, 1997, and went into effect in 1999. More than 160 countries are party to the agreement, including most Western nations.
Latvia ratified the convention through a law passed May 19, 2005, which took effect Jan. 1, 2006.
Notably, countries such as China, Russia, the United States, India, and Pakistan are not signatories to the Ottawa Treaty.
The core tenets of the convention prohibit signatory states from using, developing, producing, acquiring, stockpiling, or transferring anti-personnel mines. Signatories also commit to destroying existing stockpiles and clearing mined areas.
The convention aims to reduce civilian casualties from landmines, which often impede post-conflict development.
Regional Coordination
Latvia’s decision was influenced by discussions with Estonia, Lithuania, and Poland regarding border security. Finland has also indicated it is considering a similar move.
While the Baltic states and Poland have initiated withdrawal processes around the same time, Latvia is the first to finalize its decision.
Officials have stated that the decision does not automatically mean the immediate placement of landmines on Latvia’s eastern border.
Following the Saeima’s decision, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must formally notify the UN secretary-General and other member states. The withdrawal will take effect six months after the notification is received.Any deployment of landmines would only occur in the event of a national threat, based on specific defense plans.
The decision specifically concerns non-detectable anti-personnel mines. Guided anti-personnel mines and anti-tank mines are not affected by the treaty.
Kaspars Pudāns, commander of the National Armed Forces (NAF), has said that acquiring and using non-detectable mines is not currently a priority. The cost and resources required are still under evaluation. Defense Minister Andris sprūds has stated that while there are no current plans to include these mines in Latvia’s defense strategy, this could change.
Sprūds suggested that Latvia could potentially purchase these mines from Poland and Finland or explore domestic production after formally withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention.
Ministry of Defense Statement
The Ministry of Defense (MoD) stated that the security situation in the region necessitates flexibility. The ministry argues that there were no compelling military or strategic reasons for Latvia to have joined the ottawa Convention initially.
The MoD emphasized that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine demonstrates a disregard for international borders and laws.
Therefore, it is vital for Latvia to maintain freedom of choice and flexibility to apply various weapon systems and solutions to strengthen discouraging and national protection.
the MoD also noted that non-detectable mines, in conjunction with other defense systems, could increase the effectiveness of Latvia’s defense forces by hindering enemy advances. The ministry concluded that the Ottawa Convention unduly restricts Latvia’s defense capabilities in the current security habitat.
The MoD affirmed that Latvia will continue to adhere to international obligations,including humanitarian law,while prioritizing its security needs.
Any future acquisition, deployment, and use of landmines would be contingent on military necessity, strategic priorities, and available funding, according to the ministry.
Background
Discussions about Latvia potentially leaving the Ottawa Convention began last year. Public concerns about Latvia’s commitment to the treaty surfaced in January 2024, with a public petition initiated on the “Manabalss.lv” portal.
In January 2024, Lieutenant General Leonīds Kalniņš stated that the Armed Forces did not support withdrawing from the convention. Defense Minister Andris Sprūds also said at the time that there was no military or international justification for such a move. President Edgars Rinkēvičs expressed confidence in the NAF leadership’s judgment.
By February of this year, the Defense Minister indicated that Latvia was engaged in discussions with Estonia, Lithuania, and Poland regarding a potential withdrawal. Finland has also decided to take similar steps.
The Latvian government formally approved the withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention on March 25.
Latvia too Exit Ottawa Treaty: Your questions Answered
This article provides answers to common questions about Latvia’s decision to withdraw from the Ottawa Treaty, offering insights into the reasons behind the move and its implications.
Why is Latvia withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention?
The primary driver behind Latvia’s decision to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention is the evolving security environment in the Baltic region. According to the provided information, Russia’s actions in Ukraine have substantially altered the security landscape, necessitating that Latvia re-evaluate its defense strategies and maintain flexibility in its military capabilities.
What is the Ottawa Convention?
The Ottawa Convention, officially known as the “Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production, and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction,” is an international treaty that bans the use of anti-personnel mines. It was adopted in 1997 and came into effect in 1999. More than 160 countries are signatories to the agreement. Latvia ratified the convention in 2005.
Key Objectives: The convention aims to reduce civilian casualties caused by landmines and promote post-conflict development.
What are the Key Provisions of the Ottawa Convention?
The Ottawa Convention prohibits signatory states from:
Using anti-personnel mines
Developing anti-personnel mines
Producing anti-personnel mines
Acquiring anti-personnel mines
Stockpiling anti-personnel mines
* Transferring anti-personnel mines
Signatories are also obligated to destroy existing stockpiles and clear mined