Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk wants his country to withdraw from the international agreement banning anti-personnel mines to strengthen Poland’s defence capabilities in response to growing tensions with Russia.
“I will recommend a positive opinion on Poland’s withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention and possibly from the Dublin Convention as well. I am referring to anti-personnel mines and cluster munitions,” Tusk told the parliament in Warsaw.
Tusk acknowledged that this is “not a pleasant” decision but insisted that Poland must consider its own security needs. “Anything that can strengthen Poland’s defence will be implemented. We will use all available options,” he stated.
Neighbouring Lithuania withdrew from the treaty banning cluster munitions on Thursday, citing the threat posed by Russia.
This made it the first EU country to pull out of an international arms regulation agreement.
Human rights organisations have heavily criticised that decision.
