Lithuania received harsh criticism from Norway

On Thursday, the Seimas adopted a decision regarding Lithuania’s withdrawal from the Convention on Cluster Munitions. This decision is based on the increased threat from Russia.

“It is not wise to adhere to a convention that is not followed by the main geopolitical opponent,” said Minister of National Defense Laurynas Kasčiūnas.

He emphasized that cluster ammunition is very effective in combat terms.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide expressed his regret for such a decision.

“While the security situation in Europe has changed as a result of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, it is crucial that states honor their commitments to prohibit the use, stockpiling and transfer of these types of weapons,” he said.

The Norwegian Ministry notes that 90 percent the victims of cluster munitions are civilians.

“We understand Lithuania’s concerns, but disarmament conventions are not just obligations that apply in peacetime. They are even more important when countries are at war. What matters is how wars are fought. Therefore, we must uphold the international rules of war, norms and obligations, even when the security situation changes. The immense suffering of the people of Ukraine and the Gaza Strip is a clear reminder of this,” EBEide said.

“Norway sought through diplomatic and political channels to convince Lithuania to remain a party to the Convention on Cluster Munitions. This was also one of the topics of Prime Minister Jonas Gahro Store’s conversation with the President of Lithuania,” the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

Lithuania joined the convention on the non-use of cluster munitions in 2011.

The agreement prohibits the use, production and acquisition of cluster munitions and establishes specific obligations to address the humanitarian consequences of these weapons.

A cluster munition is an air- or ground-launched container containing anywhere from a few dozen to several hundred secondary munitions spread over an area the size of a football field.

In mid-July of last year, these ammunitions, banned in many countries, were transferred to Ukraine, which is defending itself against Russian aggression, by the United States.