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The end of U.S. cooperation under the Open Skies Treaty was formally finalized yesterday, Sunday, about six months after Washington announced that it would withdraw from the confidence-building agreement, allowing each party to inspect military movements and military equipment of the other.
The treaty, concluded after the end of the Cold War, allowed the 34 states that ratified it, including the United States and Russia, to conduct unmanned surveillance flights in the remaining airspace. The other 33 countries have made it clear that they intend to continue to adhere to it.
“Today, in compliance with the warning they previously issued, the United States withdraws from the Open Skies Treaty with immediate effect.” The United States is more secure with this measure, as Russia continues to fail to meet its obligations under the agreement, “said the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
Washington complains that Moscow places restrictions on the deal, especially in Kaliningrad airspace, a pocket between Poland and Lithuania.
Moscow has shown more interest in flying to Europe than to the United States, which means that Washington’s departure does not automatically cripple the deal.
German Foreign Minister Haiko Maas emphasized that Berlin remains committed to the Open Skies Treaty, explaining that it remains key as part of the effort to control weapons.
“We deeply regret that the United States has decided to take this measure and is now implementing it,” Maas said in a statement issued by his office.
Earlier this month, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov demanded written assurances from the other parties to the Open Skies Treaty and from NATO member states that they would not share the data they collect with the United States now. onwards.
He also stressed that US bases on European soil will not be excluded from Russian observation flights.
The agreement was reached to “avoid surprises” thanks to “cooperation,” according to the State Department.
Source: ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ
