Russia has repeatedly expressed its readiness to discuss with the United States technical issues in the framework of the Treaty on open skies. This is stated in the article, Russian Ambassador to the U.S. Anatoly Antonov, published on the website of the American analytical publication on military-political issues of The National Interest.
Antonov stressed that Moscow has repeatedly explained on the specific facts that the allegations about the alleged incomplete performance by the Russian party to the agreement – are unfounded. However, despite the absurdity of the charges, Russia has always demonstrated openness in discussing issues of Washington issues. With this purpose, in the framework of the agreement established a consultative Commission.
According to the Ambassador, Russia has a number of claims to the United States in compliance with the document. It is about ensuring the safety of crews who are to fly over American soil, restrictions on the maximum range of observations of Hawaiian and Aleutian Islands, and the height of operations.
“the Difference is that we are ready – and this is confirmed repeatedly – to seek mutually acceptable solutions to technical problems at the negotiating table. On the contrary, Washington seems to think it’s more important to get rid of the contract, which, apparently, regards as binding him hand and foot”, – quotes Antonova RIA Novosti.
Recall that on 21 may, the President of the United States Donald trump announced the US withdrawal from the Treaty on open skies. “I think we have very good relations with Russia. But Russia has not adhered to the Treaty. So until they begin to stick to it, we get out of the contract”, – said the American leader told reporters. Moscow rejects the allegations, stressing that it remains committed to the Treaty, and puts forward counter-accusations.
the Multilateral Treaty on open skies was signed on 24 March 1992 in Helsinki. According to this document, States parties have the right to conduct overflights of any of the other’s territory to monitor military activities in accordance with agreed to this and agreed quotas and regulations observation missions.
