Lithuania takes first step toward hosting nuclear weapons despite Russia's threats
Photo: Lithuanian Seimas (Getty Images)
The Lithuanian Seimas has approved in the first reading constitutional amendments that would lift the ban on deploying nuclear weapons and foreign military bases on the country’s territory, according to LRT.
The initiative to lift the ban was supported by 106 members of the Seimas. Eighteen lawmakers voted against it, while six abstained.
For the decision to take effect, parliament must hold a second and final vote. It can take place no earlier than three months from now.
According to Seimas Speaker Juozas Olekas, the final vote is scheduled for January 12 next year. At least 94 votes out of 141 will be required for the amendments to be finally approved.
Olekas stressed that removing the provision would increase the country’s resilience and strengthen the effect of military deterrence.
“Removing it will mean that we secure the strongest support possible. By eliminating the legal differences Lithuania had compared with other EU and NATO countries, they will no longer exist, and we will become equal,” the Lithuanian parliament speaker explained.
Article 137 of Lithuania’s Constitution currently states that weapons of mass destruction and foreign military bases may not be located on the country’s territory. The proposed amendment would completely remove this provision from the country’s basic law.
Kremlin threats
It should be recalled that recently, Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev said Moscow could view the deployment of nuclear weapons in Lithuania as grounds for a military response. According to him, NATO would allegedly not come to the country’s defense in the event of a Russian response.
“Lithuania will disappear from the map of the world,” Medvedev said in a direct threat.
