We're still waiting for Finland's verdict on Ottawa Convention exit - Lithuanian defmin

VILNIUS - As Poland and the Baltic states mull withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel mines, they are still waiting for Finland's verdict on the issue, Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovile Sakaliene says.

"The decision by our four countries is just around the corner," the Social Democrat told reporters on Friday. "At this stage, the Finns need a few more weeks. We will see how things work out for the five, but for the four of us, we will certainly have news very soon."

Lithuania is considering withdrawing from the convention to strengthen its border with Russia in case of possible aggression. Critics of such a decision say, however, that anti-personnel mines could harm defending forces and civilians.

Chief of defense General Raimundas Vaiksnoras has said that withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention would untie the army's hands.

All European Union countries are members of the Ottawa Convention, while China, Russia, the US, India and Pakistan are not.