NATO 'Disappointed' At Russian Withdrawal From CFE Treaty

The treaty limits the deployment of heavy weaponry (ITAR-TASS)

July 16, 2007 (RFE/RL) -- NATO has issued a statement saying it is "deeply disappointed" at Russia's decision to pull out of the adapted Conventional Forces In Europe (CFE) Treaty.

Russian President Vladimr Putin ordered the suspension of the treaty, which oversees the deployment of heavy weaponry in Europe, in a decree on July 14. A Kremlin statement said the decision was linked to "extraordinary circumstances” that affect “the security of the Russian Federation and require immediate measures."

NATO says it hopes dialogue with Russia on modifying the CFE Treaty will continue, and that Moscow will continue to allow Western inspections of its forces.