Statement by the North Atlantic Council on the New START Treaty ~ the NATO Invitees associate themselves with this Statement.
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Press Release, Brussels, 03 February 2023:-
- NATO Allies agree the New START Treaty contributes to international stability by constraining Russian and US strategic nuclear forces. Therefore, we note with concern that Russia has failed to comply with legally-binding obligations under the New START Treaty.
- Russia’s refusal to convene a session of the Bilateral Consultative Commission (BCC) within the treaty-established timeframe, and to facilitate US inspection activities on its territory since August 2022 prevents the United States from exercising important rights under the Treaty, and undermines the United States’ ability to adequately verify Russian compliance with the Treaty’s central limits. The United States is in compliance with the New START Treaty.
- NATO Allies continue to view effective arms control as an essential contribution to our security objectives. The New START Treaty remains in the national security interest of all states, including NATO Allies. NATO Allies welcomed the February 2021 agreement between the United States and the Russian Federation to extend the New START Treaty for five years. However, Russia’s noncompliance undermines the viability of the New START Treaty.
- We call on Russia to fulfil its obligations under the Treaty by facilitating New START inspections on Russian territory, and by returning to participation in the Treaty’s implementation body, the BCC.
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