Lithuania Withdraws from Cluster Munitions Convention

Lithuania's parliament has voted to withdraw from the Convention on Cluster Munitions, citing non-compliance by Russia in its aggression against Ukraine. Defence Minister Laurynas Kasciunas emphasized the importance of such conventions only when all nations adhere to them.

In a significant policy shift, Lithuania's parliament voted on Thursday to exit the Convention on Cluster Munitions, a global treaty that prohibits the production, stockpiling, use, and transfer of such weapons.

Defence Minister Laurynas Kasciunas addressed the parliament before the vote, underscoring the importance of international conventions only if universally adhered to.

He pointed out that Russia's failure to comply with the treaty during its aggression against Ukraine as a key factor behind the decision.

(With inputs from agencies.)