NATO Sec-Gen: Russia’s restricting flights near Georgia border inconsistent with Open Skies Treaty
Stating that Russia’s return to compliance 'is the best way to preserve the benefits of the Treaty’, Jens Stoltenberg noted that NATO allies ‘continue to aspire to a constructive relationship with Russia, when Russia’s actions make that possible’. Photo: nato.int
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NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that all states party to the Open Skies Treaty ‘must fully implement their commitments and obligations’, while Russia has imposed flight restrictions ‘inconsistent with the Treaty’.
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”, Stoltenberg stated.
NATO allies met yesterday to discuss the 35-nation Open Skies Treaty, which allows for unarmed surveillance flights over member states, calling on Russia to return to its full compliance.
Russia’s ongoing selective implementation of its obligations under the Open Skies Treaty has undermined the contribution of this important Treaty to security and stability in the Euro-Atlantic region”, Stoltenberg added.
Stating that Russia’s return to compliance 'is the best way to preserve the benefits of the Treaty’, Jens Stoltenberg noted that NATO allies ‘continue to aspire to a constructive relationship with Russia, when Russia’s actions make that possible’.
Jens Stoltenberg's video address is also available on Twitter:
#NATO Allies met today to discuss the Open Skies Treaty. We are firmly committed to the preservation of effective international arms control, disarmament & non-proliferation. Read my statement: https://t.co/OgDoBnbGta pic.twitter.com/VGqcst1h5T
— Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) May 22, 2020
Stoltenberg also added that the allies ‘will continue to uphold, support, and further strengthen arms control, disarmament, and non-proliferation, as a key element of Euro-Atlantic security, taking into account the prevailing security environment’.
Recently, the United Stated announced plans to withdraw from the Open Skies Treaty, saying that Russia has refused to adhere to the treaty which entered into force back in 2002. However, Stoltenberg announced yesterday, the US may 'reconsider its withdrawal' if Russia returns to full compliance with the Treaty.