Iran Press/ Europe: EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell has called on the US to revisit its unilateral decision to withdraw from the Treaty on Open Skies and Russia to return to full compliance, Borrell said in a statement issued on Friday, according to Sputnik.
The high representative underlined that he regrets "the announcement by the United States to withdraw from the Open Skies Treaty."
"Withdrawing from a Treaty is not the solution to address difficulties in its implementation and compliance by another party. While continuing to urge Russia to return immediately to the full implementation of the Treaty, I call upon the United States to reconsider their decision," Borrell stressed. "The European Union will be examining the implications this decision may have for its own security."
"The Treaty on Open Skies is a key element of our arms-control architecture and serves as a vital confidence and security-building measure. Since it came into force in 2002, this agreement has enabled to carry out more than 1,500 reconnaissance missions over the territories of all the signatory states. The treaty provides transparency and predictability. It is an important contribution to European and global security and stability," the statement reads.
Borrell underlined that all signatories to the treaty "must continue to acknowledge this and ensure the full implementation of the Treaty."
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