Russia takes first step towards ratifying agreement adjusting CFE Treaty

Russia's foreign ministry has hailed the State Duma, the lower house of Russian parliament, for passing a federal law to ratify an agreement adjusting the Treaty on the Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE).

The foreign ministry issued a statement reading that the agreement adjusting the CFE treaty will be a milestone event in the sphere of control over conventional arms in Europe. The agreement envisages major adjustments to limitations stipulated in and other provisions of the CFE treaty, which heed changes in the politico-military setup on the European continent, and makes the treaty open to new members.

The agreement on adjusting the CFE treaty is totally in line with Russia's interests and will be a major contribution to European security, emphasized the foreign ministry.

The ministry believes the Federation Council, parliament's upper house, will also approve the agreement shortly.

The agreement has already been ratified by Belarus, Kazakhstan and Ukraine and will come into force when all the signatories have handed over relevant ratification instruments to the depository, i.e. the Dutch government, recalled the foreign ministry.

The foreign ministry is hopeful other parties to the agreement will also "take a responsible approach and make steps to allow for the agreement to come into force as soon as possible." "This would meet all the signatories' interests and promote peace and tranquility in Europe," reads the statement.