Poland still part of mine ban treaty; prohibited from producing, installing 1M mines along Russian border: Industry group

'Weapons that predominantly kill and injure civilians will not safeguard any nation’s security,' says director of International Campaign to Ban Landmines

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - The International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) reminded Poland on Friday of its responsibility under the mine ban treaty as its withdrawal is not yet complete, adding the country’s 1-million mine plan is prohibited under the treaty.

Poland announced plans Thursday to produce 1 million landmines to fortify its borders with Russia and Belarus. Deputy Defense Minister Pawel Bejda confirmed that Poland's state-owned defense industry will lead the effort, calling it a "necessity for national security."

"We presently have no anti-personnel mines but have the capacity to produce them, with joint efforts of public and private arms enterprises," Bejda added.

"As a state party to the mine ban treaty, Poland is currently prohibited from developing, producing, or otherwise acquiring antipersonnel mines," Tamar Gabelnick, director of ICBL, told an Association of Accredited Correspondents at a United Nations (ACANU) media briefing

"Weapons that predominantly kill and injure civilians will not safeguard any nation's security," said Gabelnick.

Poland's announcement came after four NATO states -- Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland -- signaled their intention to withdraw from the treaty amid the Russian war.

The 1997 convention, also known as the Ottawa Treaty, bans the acquisition, production, stockpiling, transfer and use of anti-personnel landmines.

Kaynak:

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