Conference to review working of Open Skies Treaty: new peaceful uses for military agreement in sight

VIENNA, 14 February 2005 - Representatives of 32 states are gathered this week in Vienna to consider the achievements of one of the most far-reaching confidence-building measures ever agreed in the aftermath of the Cold War, which could now enjoy a new peace-time lease of life in supporting natural disaster relief efforts or environmental protection.

From 14 to 16 February, they will meet at the Hofburg Congress Centre for the First Review Conference of the Treaty on Open Skies. Though signed at Helsinki on 24 March 1992 in the framework of the old Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe, the Treaty only came into force on 1 January 2002, after a sufficient number of states had ratified it.

It became the first treaty in history to establish a system - known as the Open Skies regime - for the conduct of co-operative aerial observation flights by any party over the territories of any other party. The vast area covered ranges from Canada's west coast to the eastern coast of the Russian Federation - from Vancouver to Vladivostok.

Agreed flight procedures, as well as specifically defined technical standards for sensors, protect the legitimate interests of the states being observed. These sensors allow for the reliable identification of major weapon systems. Imagery taken during observation flights is accessible to all states parties. As a result all parties are placed on an equal footing with no monopoly on information but instead there is reciprocity of observation.

This was among the innovations introduced by the Treaty to this form of international agreement. From the outset it also envisaged the possibility of employing the Open Skies regime not only to monitor arms control agreements but to strengthen conflict prevention and crisis management, within the framework of the CSCE/OSCE and other international institutions.

Further possible uses of Open Skies aerial observation that could be considered include protection of the environment and providing support for natural disaster relief efforts.

The aim of the Vienna Conference, which will conclude on Wednesday 16 February, is to review all aspects of treaty implementation and to discuss the Treaty's continued relevance for promoting security and stability through openness and transparency.

The links below provide notes on the history of the Treaty and access to an archive copy of the Treaty, available in six languages.