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US, EU concerned over Kremlin move to drop arms treaty

The US and NATO, along with several European states, expressed disappointment on Saturday over Russia's suspension of its participation in a key arms control treaty.

The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) also expressed its concern, and called on all signatories to the treaty to look at the underlying causes of Russia's decision.

"We're disappointed Russia has suspended its participation for now," White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe said in a statement.

"But we'll continue to have discussions with them in the coming months," he said.

The Kremlin announced on Saturday that President Vladimir Putin had signed a decree suspending Russia's application of the 1990 Conventional Forces in Europe (CFE) treaty.

Russia had threatened several times to pull out of the treaty amid unease over US military encroachment into territory once part of the former Soviet Union. Moscow particularly objected to US plans to place elements of a missile defense shield in Poland and the Czech Republic.

NATO spokesman James Appathurai also expressed his disappointment and concern.

"It's a disappointing move, a step backwards. NATO considers this treaty to be an important foundation of European security and stability," he said.

The OSCE expressed its concern through Spain, which currently holds the presidency of the 56-member organization.

Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos called on all signatory states "to renew their efforts to examine the underlying difficulties swiftly and earnestly and work together to overcome them."

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier expressed "great concern."

Speaking in Lithuania, he said the treaty was a central element in the international architecture of disarmament.
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