ALLIANCEÂ’S 
STATEMENT ON THE RUSSIAN 
FEDERATIONÂ’S 
“SUSPENSION” 
OF THEIR CFE OBLIGATIONS
 
1.         
NATO Allies deeply regret that the 
Russian 
Federation has proceeded with its intention to 
unilaterally “suspend” implementation of CFE Treaty obligations as of 12 December 
2007.
 
2.         
This is particularly 
disappointing because, as NATO Foreign Ministers recalled in their December 7 
communiqué, Allies have worked intensively with other Treaty partners over the 
past months to try to resolve the Russian 
FederationÂ’s concerns constructively. NATO Allies 
continue to place the highest value on the CFE Treaty regime with all its elements and underscore its 
strategic importance as a cornerstone of Euro-Atlantic security.  
 
3.         
In this regard, we have pursued a 
multifaceted dialogue to address all outstanding concerns in US-Russian 
bilateral contacts, in the Joint Consultative Group in 
Vienna, in informal meetings held in Bad Saarow, 
Paris, Madrid and most recently during the NATO-Russia 
Council Ministerial meeting on 7 December 
2007. This dialogue 
offers a constructive way forward on the basis of the parallel action package 
supported by all Allies, to: resolve outstanding concerns of all States Parties, 
fulfil remaining commitments reflected in the 1999 CFE Final Act with its 
Annexes, including those related to the Republic of Moldova and Georgia; lay the 
basis for ratification of the Agreement on Adaptation by all 30 States Parties; 
and ensure full implementation of the Treaty by all States Parties. This way 
forward respects the integrity of the Treaty regime with all its elements and 
would address the legitimate interests and concerns of all Treaty Partners. In 
this regard, Allies recall paragraphs 26 - 28 of the final communiqué of NATO 
Foreign Ministers meeting of 7 December 
2007.
 
4.         
We note that the Russian 
Federation’s “suspension” is a unilateral measure not 
provided for under the terms of the CFE Treaty. This step does not contribute to 
the long-term viability of the CFE Treaty and we urge the 
Russian 
Federation to rescind its decision. We also note the 
Russian 
FederationÂ’s stated commitment to the CFE regime and 
its statement that it does not presently intend to withdraw from the Treaty. 
NATO Allies will carefully monitor the 
Russian 
FederationÂ’s compliance with its Treaty 
obligations.
 
5.         
NATO Allies reaffirm their right to take 
any steps provided for by the Treaty and international law. At the same time, 
they want to resolve the current impasse and preserve the benefits of this 
landmark Treaty. They have therefore chosen not to respond in kind at this stage 
to the Russian 
Federation’s political decision to “suspend” its legal 
obligations and NATO Allies will continue to meet theirs, without prejudice to 
any future action they might take. 
As a first step, when the annual CFE exchange of military information takes 
place this week, the NATO Allies will meet their obligations.  
 
6.         
AlliesÂ’ proposals for parallel actions on outstanding issues are 
constructive, reasonable, and forward looking. 
NATO Allies strongly urge the Russian 
Federation to respond to these efforts, including by 
implementing existing obligations in full, and not to take further steps that 
would undermine the future of the CFE regime. We encourage the Russian 
authorities to work cooperatively with us to resolve outstanding concerns of all 
States Parties.