MINSK, 25 October (BelTA) - Belarus will be ready to resume the implementation of the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) on the condition that other states return to its implementation, the Permanent Mission of Belarus to the United Nations stated during a discussion on conventional weapons at a meeting of the UN General Assembly's First Committee in New York, BelTA has learned.
The permanent mission emphasized that Belarus remains committed to its obligations under multilateral conventional arms control measures and mechanisms and advocates for strengthening confidence in the Euro-Atlantic space.
“The predictability and transparency of state behavior, including the open provision of information on arms supplies, is a key factor in maintaining such trust,” a representative of the Belarusian delegation said.
The diplomatic mission noted that Belarus is a conscientious participant in transparency measures, regularly submits reports to the UN Register of Conventional Arms, and takes a fully responsible approach to implementing the UN Program of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons and the OSCE Document on Small Arms and Light Weapons. The country has also established and maintains a corresponding multi-tiered national export control system.
“Last year, a law was signed whereby our country suspended its participation in the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE). For over 30 years, Belarus conscientiously and fully implemented its CFE obligations. Belarus' suspension of the CFE is a forced reciprocal step aimed at ensuring the national security of the country. We will be ready to resume the implementation of the CFE Treaty on the condition that other member states, primarily NATO countries that are parties to the treaty, return to its implementation,” the permanent mission stated.
Speaking on the situation surrounding the Open Skies Treaty, which was developed in the early years after the Cold War, the diplomatic mission noted that this document was an important element of the pan-European security system and made a significant contribution to ensuring transparency in the military sphere in the Euro-Atlantic space.
“Belarus also made its contribution to the implementation of the treaty in good faith as part of the Belarus-Russia group of states-parties, formed in accordance with the treaty. We continue to participate in meetings of the Open Skies Consultative Commission and its working groups. The withdrawal of two key participants from the Treaty has not only reduced the treaty's zone of application by 80% but has also significantly diminished its viability. We are against the destruction of the Open Skies architecture. We are guided by the desire to preserve this important confidence-building tool,” the permanent mission of Belarus emphasized.
In this regard, the diplomatic mission added that it was vitally necessary to preserve the system of interconnected treaties and agreements in the field of arms control within the OSCE area.
“This is precisely why Belarus tried until the last moment, and continues to try, to preserve the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, despite all its shortcomings and anachronisms. We will continue to analyze the situation around the Open Skies Treaty and the approaches of its member states towards interaction with Belarus, both within the framework of the treaty and in the broader context of arms control and confidence-building measures in the OSCE area,” said the representative of the Belarusian delegation. “Belarus remains committed to conventional arms control as an integral element of security on the European continent and is interested in restoring its viability and effectiveness.”
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