NATO reaffirms its commitment to the non-proliferation of arms

USPA NEWS - NATO Allies met this Friday to discuss the Open Skies Treaty. “We are firmly committed to the preservation of effective international arms control, disarmament, and non-proliferation,“ explain to USPA News via e-mail the Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

“We agree that all states party to the Open Skies Treaty must fully implement their commitments and obligations. All NATO Allies are in full compliance with all provisions of the Treaty,“ Stoltenberg added. The Secretary General explain that “Russia has for many years imposed flight restrictions inconsistent with the Treaty, including flight limitations over Kaliningrad, and restricting flights in Russia near its border with Georgia. Russia´s ongoing selective implementation has undermined the Open Skies Treaty. Over many years, including at successive NATO Summits, Allies have called on Russia to return to full compliance.“

The United States has declared Russia in violation of the Treaty, and has now announced its intention to withdraw in six months, consistent with Treaty provisions. The US has declared that it may, however, reconsider its withdrawal should Russia return to full compliance. “NATO Allies are engaging with Russia to seek Russia´s return to compliance at the earliest date possible,“ Stoltenberg said.

“NATO Allies will continue to uphold, support, and further strengthen arms control, disarmament, and non-proliferation, as key elements of our security,“ he added. Allies also remain open to dialogue with Russia in the NATO-Russia Council on military risk reduction and transparency.