Lithuanian parliament backs repeal of constitutional weapons ban

Lithuania’s parliament has backed, in a first vote, removing a constitutional provision that bars weapons of mass destruction and foreign military bases from the country. LRT reported that the proposal would need to pass a second vote at least three months later, with at least 94 votes in favour each time.

The proposal received 106 votes on Tuesday. Eighteen lawmakers voted against it and six abstained.

Supporters say the change would allow Lithuania to take part fully in NATO nuclear deterrence plans. Laurynas Kasčiūnas, chair of the Homeland Union-Lithuanian Christian Democrats and a former defence minister, said the current ban also prevents nuclear-armed allied aircraft from entering Lithuanian airspace and allied ships from entering its territorial waters for deterrence purposes.

Kasčiūnas rejected claims that removing the constitutional provision would permit the use of chemical or biological weapons. He said Lithuania had ratified conventions in 1997 and 1998 that prohibit their proliferation, production and use.

Liberal Movement leader Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen said any future decision on deploying such capabilities in Lithuania would require separate legislation. Former defence minister Arvydas Anušauskas said the constitutional change would not mean nuclear weapons were deployed in the country, but would enable full participation in deterrence exercises.

Social Democrat Remigijus Motuzas also said the change would not make Lithuania a nuclear-armed state or mean that nuclear warheads would be brought into the country.

Opponents call for a referendum

Most opponents of the proposal were from the opposition Nemuno Aušra party. Aidas Gedvilas said the issue should be put to a referendum, while Vitalijus Šeršniovas of the Mixed Group of Members of Parliament argued for a narrower change addressing only the transit of nuclear weapons over Lithuanian territory. He also said the decision should be made by referendum.