Disarmament Diplomacy

Issue No. 38, June 1999

Russia Complains of CFE Violation by NATO

On 28 May, Russia's Foreign Ministry issued a statement alleging obstruction by NATO, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and Albania during inspections of NATO forces carried out under the terms of the Convention Forces in Europe (CFE) Treaty. The inspections were mounted by Russia on 7-9 May (FYROM) and 16-19 May (Albania), at the height of the conflict over Kosovo. The statement read:

"The Russian side is forced to note that in the course of the inspections unprecedented violations of the letter and spirit of the Vienna Document [signed in 1994 to facilitate CFE-implementation] were permitted [by FYROM and Albania]...and representatives of NATO contingents...

The Russian side decisively condemns these illegal actions by officials from NATO as well as Macedonia and Albania... The conclusions drawn from the results of the inspections will be taken into account in practice and in Russia's negotiating positions."

The CFE Treaty is currently in the process of being adapted to reflect the radical shifts in post-Cold War military disposition, including the new factor of NATO expansion.

Report: Russia says NATO hindered Balkans checks, Reuters, 28 May.

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