The decision by several European countries to withdraw from the international treaty banning anti-personnel landmines has sparked significant apprehension in Southeast Asia, a region still grappling with the legacy of landmines from past conflicts.
The treaty, formally known as the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty or Ottawa Convention, prohibits the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel mines, while obligating signatories to clear contaminated land and support victims. Earlier this year, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Finland announced their intention to leave the treaty, citing defense requirements in response to heightened security concerns related to Russia. Ukraine also signaled its withdrawal as its ongoing conflict with Russia continues. The official exit of these countries from the treaty is expected by the end of the year.
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Source: The Munich Eye News
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