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.