Categories: Global

Turkiye suspends participation in Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe

Turkish Air force pilots of the 'Turkish Stars' fly in Northrop F-5 near a national flag to mark the 100th anniversary of Turkish Republic in Istanbul on October 29, 2023. - Turkey marked its centenary as a post-Ottoman republic on October 29, 2023, with somewhat muted celebrations held in the shadow of Israel's escalating war with Hamas militants in Gaza. (Photo by OZAN KOSE / AFP)

ANKARA: Turkiye has announced the suspension of its participation in the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, signed in 1990 to regulate arms control between Russia and Europe after the Cold War, Hurriyet Daily News reported on Saturday.

The decision, effective from April 8, 2024, was made according to Presidential Decree No. 9, as stated in the official gazette.

Turkiye’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oncu Keceli clarified that the country has not withdrawn from the treaty but has temporarily halted its implementation, with the possibility of reversal.

Turkiye expressed disappointment over Russia’s prior withdrawal from the treaty, emphasizing the gradual erosion of European security architecture since 2007.

The CFE Treaty, signed on Nov. 9, 1990, aimed to establish a military balance between NATO and Warsaw Pact countries, limiting various armaments and regulating military deployment and troop concentrations across Europe.

Russia suspended its participation in 2015 and officially withdrew in 2023, prompting the US to suspend its obligations as well.

Courtesy: arabnews

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