Belarus’ deputies adopted draft law On Suspension of Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe

The draft law of the Republic of Belarus On the Suspension of the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe was adopted in one reading at the meeting of the first session of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of the eighth convocation. The draft law was submitted to the House of Representatives by the Council of Ministers in consultation with the Head of State. It was prepared in order to ensure the national interests of the Republic of Belarus and as a response to the decision of the NATO member states to suspend this treaty.

The Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE Treaty) was signed in Paris on November 19th, 1990, ratified by Resolution No. 1884-XII of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Belarus dated October 21st, 1992, and entered into force on November 9th, 1992.

By presenting the bill to parliamentarians, the Chairman of the Standing Committee on International Affairs of the House of Representatives, Sergei Rachkov, noted that the adoption of the draft law On the Suspension of the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe is an adequate response to the emerging military-political situation on the outer perimeter of Belarus.

“The adoption of this draft law is an adequate response to the actions of NATO countries that previously suspended their participation in the CFE Treaty. Given the current situation, it is very important today to increase attention to the issues of ensuring the defence and security of our country. We must react more carefully to the current situation and to the actions of Western countries near the borders of our country. It is important to understand that the adoption of this law does not mean that Belarus is withdrawing from the CFE Treaty. We are suspending our participation in the CFE Treaty and are ready to resume it when the NATO countries will do the same and start fulfilling their obligations,” Sergei Rachkov stressed.

The CFE Treaty provides for the limitation of the total levels of conventional weapons and equipment in five main categories (tanks, armoured combat vehicles, artillery, attack helicopters, and combat aircraft), as well as mechanisms for verifying compliance with obligations (information exchange and inspections).

The Republic of Belarus fully complies with its obligations under the CFE Treaty, strictly adheres to the established ceilings on the availability of weapons, military equipment, and personnel of the Armed Forces, and timely submits relevant information and current notifications to the States Parties to the CFE Treaty.

The suspension of the CFE Treaty by NATO member states and their allies makes it expedient for the Republic of Belarus to suspend its obligations under the CFE Treaty. In practical terms, this would mean the suspension of the provision by a State Party to the CFE Treaty of information on conventional weapons and equipment of the Republic of Belarus, and of the receipt and conduct of inspections to monitor compliance with quantitative restrictions on conventional weapons and equipment established by the provisions of the CFE Treaty.