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Russia begins arms treaty freeze

MOSCOW: Russia suspended its obligations under the Conventional Forces in Europe (CFE) treaty at midnight on Wednesday according to a law signed by President Vladimir Putin.

After the suspension, Russia will temporarily cease to release information and accept inspections, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. The suspension also means that Russia will no longer be bound by any limitations on conventional arms and their concrete numbers will depend on the evolution of the military-political situation, the statement said.

The statement also said Russia would not immediately increase the strength of its armed forces along its borders, but would not hesitate to do so if the need arises.

“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,” the statement said.

The treaty, which came into force on November 9, 1992, also lays down measures to enhance confidence-building, transparency and cooperation between member states.

Russia had threatened several times to withdraw from the CFE amid tensions with the United States over U.S. plans to install a missile shield in Eastern Europe.

Russia and the U.S. failed to reach any agreement on missile defence in Europe at talks in the “two-plus-two” format that were joined by senior officials of both sides in Moscow in October. Russia refused to give in to U.S. missile defence and CFE demands. Mr. Putin signed a decree in July suspending Russia’s participation in the treaty. — Xinhua

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