POLITICS
RUSSIA SUSPECTS CONVENTIONAL FORCES IN EUROPE TREATY
The Russian State Duma Wednesday voted in favour of the bill initiated by President Vladimir Putin to suspect the Conventional Forces in Europe (CFE) Treaty. The Bill was adopted unanimously by 418 deputies on November 7.
The Sate Duma has authorized President of the Russian Federation to adopt resume the effort of the Treaty.
Russia`s chief of the General Staff, General of the Army Yuri Baluyevsky said Russia must abolish a flank limitations clause in the Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty if the document is to be amended. He said Russia has warned the West for many times on the steps it will make. Nevertheless, Russia has enough power, means and ways to provide its interests, he stressed.
Mr. Baluyevsky also noted that the Treaty satisfied the USA and NATO and enabled the Alliance to expand towards the East. According to him, the “Western partners used this as pressure”.
Adoption of the bill on suspension of the Treaty is politically right and necessary, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia S. Kisliak emphasized, as it “contradicts military goals of Russia”.