On 19 March, President Edgars Rinkēvičs chaired a meeting of the National Security Council at the premises of the State Security Service.
During the meeting, the Ministry of Defence and the National Armed Forces presented an assessment of the military application of anti-personnel mines, as well as the practical and political aspects related to the positions of allied nations regarding convention obligations. Additionally, information was provided on the regional coordination efforts undertaken in connection with the joint recommendation by the Defence Ministers of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland to withdraw from the “Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction” (Ottawa Convention).
The National Security Council has expressed its support for initiating the withdrawal process from the Convention. It has also endorsed the further consideration of the withdrawal bill by the Cabinet of Ministers and the Saeima, in accordance with the decision taken by the Cabinet of Ministers on 18 March. The Council commended the consultations held with allied nations throughout the process, particularly with those whose military personnel are stationed in Latvia. It also agreed on the close coordination with allies as the process progresses. Additionally, the Council discussed aspects related to the production and procurement of anti-personnel mines.
The meeting also heard reports from national security agencies on the current situation.