The defence ministers of Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, and Poland have reached a regional agreement recommending their countries’ withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention, which prohibits the use of anti-personnel mines, according to Latvia’s Ministry of Defence (MoD).
The MoD emphasizes that this decision was made considering changes in the regional security situation, Latvia’s defence needs, consultations with allies, and to demonstrate solidarity and unity with other regional countries.
Defence Minister Andris Sprūds (P) stressed that the ministry is seriously evaluating all options to strengthen Latvia’s deterrence and defence capabilities. According to Sprūds, it is necessary to prepare for the possibility that Russia will continue to pose a threat to the region, regardless of how the war in Ukraine develops.
By withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention, there is potential to ensure the production of anti-personnel mines while continuing to comply with international norms and humanitarian law. Consultations with allies will continue, Sprūds stated.
The Ministry of Defence and the National Armed Forces (NAF) have assessed Latvia’s participation in the Ottawa Convention, analysing both the military effectiveness of anti-personnel mines and the political implications concerning allied positions on the convention. Practical considerations regarding the acquisition or production of such munitions were also evaluated.
The assessment process concluded that it is possible to develop anti-personnel mine production in Latvia and the region.
The Latvian industry possesses the necessary capabilities, including an advanced metalworking sector, while a regional approach would reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, particularly in the field of explosives and combat munitions, the MoD noted.
Consultations with allies, particularly with NATO member states whose troops are stationed in Latvia, played a crucial role in the evaluation process. According to the MoD, allies have expressed an understanding of Latvia’s potential withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention and have confirmed their continued cooperation in the field of defence. The ministry also noted that during the withdrawal process, information exchange with allies would continue.
The Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will closely cooperate on the next steps in the process, in accordance with the decisions and directives of the Cabinet of Ministers. The final decision on withdrawal from the convention will be made by the Saeima.
If the withdrawal law is passed by the Saeima, all other signatory states, the depository (the UN Secretary-General), and the UN Security Council will be informed. The withdrawal will take effect six months after the depository receives the withdrawal document.
The MoD assures that Latvia will continue to comply with international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians during armed conflicts, while ensuring national security needs. Any potential acquisition, deployment, or use of non-guided anti-personnel mines will be based on military logic and defence capability priorities. Some munitions already procured by the armed forces and future acquisitions include various types of mines—both anti-tank and guided anti-personnel mines.
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, stipulates that signatory states commit to “never, under any circumstances, use anti-personnel mines.” The treaty, which entered into force in 1999, has been joined by more than 160 countries worldwide, including most Western nations.
However, notable non-signatories to the convention include China, Russia, the United States, India, and Pakistan.