ARMENIA CAN SUSPEND CFE ONLY IF NEIGHBORS RECONSIDER THEIR POSITIONS
PanARMENIAN.Net
13.12.2007 14:11 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Russia’s suspension of the CFE is a tough attempt
to correct the mistakes the Russian leadership made in 1990-ies,
RA National Assembly Vice Speaker Vahan Hovhannisian told a news
conference today.
"NATO’s constants enlargement and post soviet republics’ aspiration to
join the Alliance do cause Russia’s concern. However, western partners
will not favor Russia for suspending the Treaty. At the same time,
Russia’s move should not arouse any concern, since this country is
not plotting aggressive programs," he said.
When asked whether Armenia can follow Russia, the Vice Speaker said:
"Such move is possible only if Armenia’s neighbors reconsider their
positions. As you know, one of the neighbors, Azerbaijan has never
limited purchase of armament, violating the CFE principles," IA
Regnum reports.
Russia’s unilateral moratorium on a major arms reductions treaty in
Europe came into force December 12.
During the temporary suspension of Russia’s participation in the
CFE treaty, the country will not be bound by limitations [under the
treaty], including by ‘flank limitations’, on the number of deployed
conventional weapons.