Poland to withdraw from Ottawa Treaty

Poland’s Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, has suggested that his country may withdraw from the Ottawa Treaty, which bans anti-personnel mines.

If Poland proceeds with the withdrawal, it will become the first EU member state not to be part of the treaty.

There is speculation that the borders with Kaliningrad and Belarus could be mined.

“I will recommend to the Ministry of Defence and the General Staff to give a positive assessment of Poland’s withdrawal from the Ottawa Treaty and, possibly, from the Dublin Convention.

“I mean anti-personnel mines and cluster munitions,” Tusk said.

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However, he clarified that he would hold consultations with the Ministry of Defence on the issue.

Tusk also emphasised that Poland would use all available means to ensure its security.