Russia's suspending CFE does not signal build-up of forces - ministry source
Interfax
Moscow, 16 July: The fact that Moscow has suspended implementation of the provisions of the Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty (CFE) does not mean that Russia is beginning to increase its armed forces, a source in the Russian Defence Ministry told Interfax-AVN today.
"So far there is no need to radically reinforce troops stationed in any European sectors, not now, at least. We shall see how events unfold, taking into account that NATO policy, which is dominated by the USA, is becoming increasingly unpredictable," the source said.
At the same time he said that "having made a decision to suspend carrying out the CFE Treaty, Russia is not shutting the door on talks."
Moscow does not rule out working out a new agreement on conventional forces in Europe.
"The old CFE treaty signed back in 1990 today looks totally absurd. However, the new treaty amended in 1999 is also outdated. For example, under the treaty flank limits in fact apply only to Russia," the source added.
Russia is to stop implementing the CFE Treaty on 13 December 2007.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree "On the Russian Federation's suspension of the operation of the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe and related international agreements". The text of the decree was made public by the presidential press service on 14 July.
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