Major Powers' Retreat from Mine Ban Treaty Draws Formal Regret at Global Meeting

A major international conference on landmines has ended with member states formally expressing "regret" over planned treaty withdrawals. Five countries—Sri Lanka, Greece, Türkiye, Cyprus, and Zimbabwe—have taken steps to leave the landmark 1997 agreement. The Ottawa Treaty bans the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel mines. The coordinated withdrawals mark an unprecedented challenge to the pact, which has 164 member states. Delegates at the meeting in Geneva did not specify reasons for the withdrawals. Analysts note that rising global tensions and increased military spending may be influencing the decisions. A senior United Nations official recently warned that record-high global military expenditure has "profound potential implications for global peace, stability, and sustainable development." While not directly addressing the treaty, this context underscores concerns over a retreat from humanitarian disarmament. The treaty remains in force, but the collective withdrawal of five members is seen as a significant setback for efforts to eradicate the weapons, which kill or injure thousands of civilians annually.