OSCE Chairman expresses hope for renewed CFE negotiations

MADRID, 12 December 2007 - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos, today urged Russia to reconsider its unilateral suspension of the implementation of its commitments under the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe.

"The CFE regime has served as a cornerstone for European security for 15 years, and it should continue to do so," he said.

"The suspension that takes effect today is not good news. The CFE regime has served Europe well, by producing unprecedented transparency, stability and security for all our countries and ensuring a significant reduction in conventional armaments and equipment. The loss of the CFE system of limitations, information and verification would be detrimental to all and could have security implications for all of Europe. No steps should be taken that could undermine the viability of the CFE regime or put this landmark regime at risk. CFE states should do everything they can to preserve the treaty, in order to avoid placing these hard-won benefits at risk."

The Chairman called on all parties to renew their negotiation efforts, with the goal of addressing outstanding concerns and re-affirming their commitment to the CFE Treaty regime.

Although not an OSCE document or event, the CFE Treaty was negotiated in parallel with talks among participating States of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe - the OSCE forerunner - on confidence-building measures.