RUSSIA SUSPENDS PARTICIPATION IN CFE TREATY

UNCLAS MOSCOW 005795

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL KCFE NATO MARR RS
SUBJECT: RUSSIA SUSPENDS PARTICIPATION IN CFE TREATY

REF: MOSCOW 5749


1. As expected, at midnight December 12, Moscow suspended
participation in the Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty
(CFE). According to the statement issued by the Foreign
Ministry, Russia has suspended all actions under the Treaty,
including exchanges of information on troop levels, and
inspections. The statement said that Russia would not be
bound by any restrictions of the Treaty, including on the
strength of conventional forces or flank deployments, while
noting that the GOR did not presently intend to undertake a
"massive build-up" of troops on Russia's borders. Future
deployments would be based on the specific political-military
situation, "including the readiness of our partners to
demonstrate restraint."


2. The statement attributed Russia's suspension to CFE
requirements that affected Russia's security and which
demanded urgent measures; to the failure of the NATO
countries to ratify the Adapted Treaty and bring it into
force; and to unacceptable linkages (e.g. Istanbul
commitments). Continued participation in the Treaty would
"threaten Russia's national interests in the sphere of
military security."


3. The statement reiterated that the GOR was ready to
continue discussions and to lift the suspension once the
following issues were resolved:

-- How to account for new members of NATO;

-- parameters for restrictions on the deployment of forces in
foreign territories;

-- elimination of the flank restrictions for Russia;

-- Accession of the Baltics and Slovenia; and

-- Ratification and entry into force of the A/CFE and
commencement of its modernization.
BURNS