Lithuanian Parliament backs withdrawal from Cluster Munitions Convention
The Lithuanian parliament voted to withdraw from the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which prohibits their production, stockpiling, use, and transfer, Reuters reported on July 18.
The Lithuanian government stated that further membership in the Convention on Cluster Munitions limits the country's defense capabilities and makes deterrence less effective.
The Lithuanian parliament's website reports that 103 out of 141 deputies voted in favor of the proposal.
“The conventions are important when all countries adhere to them, but the problem is that Russia, carrying out aggression against Ukraine, does not adhere to them," said Lithuanian Defense Minister Laurinas Kasciunas before the vote in parliament.
"It would be a mistake for a country that is preparing to defend itself to declare what capabilities it will not use. With this vote, we make Lithuania's defense capability stronger."
Cluster munitions are banned in more than 100 countries. Russia, Ukraine, and the United States are not signatories to the convention.
Most members of the European Union signed this Convention, but only Lithuania signed the document among those bordering Russia or Ukraine.
On July 3, the Lithuanian government approved a draft resolution on Lithuania's withdrawal from the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which the country joined in 2011.
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