FDFA regrets demise of the INF Treaty
Bern, 02.08.2019 - The FDFA regrets the demise of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty which, since 1987, had banned a particularly destabilising category of nuclear missiles. Termination of the INF Treaty means the loss of an important arms control instrument which has been crucial in contributing to European security.
For several years the FDFA had followed with concern the possible violation of the treaty as a result of the development of new cruise missiles. It had repeatedly called on Russia and the US to clarify these aspects together and to make every effort to preserve the INF Treaty as a key element of the European security. It regrets that the parties did not use the six-month transition period since their mutual suspension of the treaty in February 2019 to avert its complete erosion.
The FDFA appeals to Russia and the NATO states to refrain from developing and deploying any systems prohibited under the INF Treaty. It also calls on both sides to exercise the utmost restraint in order to avoid any further developments that would be detrimental to European security. In these circumstances, extending the New START Treaty as the last remaining bilateral arms control treaty and the consistent implementation of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) become even more important. The FDFA intends to pursue its efforts in support of effective arms control. Moreover, it calls on all states to uphold the established arms control treaties and to work to prevent further arms build-up and proliferation.
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FDFA Communication
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Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html
