Russia pulls out of key arms treaty
By Adrian Blomfield in Moscow
Daily Telegraph/UK
14/07/2007
Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, has sent a chilling message of
defiance to the West, effectively tearing up a vital Cold War treaty
designed to guarantee peace in Europe.
The treaty is seen as a key element in maintaining stability in Europe
Mr Putin signed a decree suspending Moscow’s participation in the
Conventional Forces in Europe (CFE) treaty, a move that will allow
Russia to mass tanks on Europe’s border for the first time in 15 years.
Coming amidst the worst crisis in East-West relations since the end
Cold War, the announcement ‘ though expected ‘ prompted immediate
consternation at NATO headquarters and triggered a swift statement of
condemnation.
"Nato regrets this decision by the Russian Federation," said spokesman
James Appathurai.
"It is a step in the wrong direction. The allies consider this treaty
to be an important cornerstone of Euro stability."
Russia’s withdrawal from the CFE treaty represents a significant
element of Mr Putin’s so-called "asymmetrical response" to US plans to
erect a missile defence shield in central Europe.
The president has already threatened to retain Russia’s nuclear arsenal
on Europe if the project, due to be completed in 2012, is completed as
currently proposed.
Moscow has rejected Washington’s argument that the shield is meant to
protect against a rogue missile strike from the Middle East, claiming
that the true intention is to undermine Russia’s nuclear deterrent.
Under the CFE treaty, adopted in 1990, Russia was required to move the
bulk of its military hardware east of the Ural Mountains.
Signatories from Nato and the Warsaw Pact also agreed to limit the
number of troops stationed on old Cold War frontlines.
Russia has been incensed, however, by Nato members refusal to ratify an
updated version of the treaty, signed in Istanbul in 1999, which set
limits on the deployment of foreign troops on the territory of
signatory states.
Nato members have said they would not sign until Russia, one of only
four states to ratify the pact, fulfilled its treaty obligations by
withdrawing troops from pro-Moscow breakaway regions in Moldova and
Georgia.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
