ON RESUMPTION OF WORK OF CONVENTIONAL ARMED FORCES IN EUROPE TREATY JOINT CONSULTATIVE GROUP

Unofficial translation from Russian

PRESS RELEASE

The Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) Treaty Joint Consultative Group (JCG) is beginning its work in Vienna on September 3 after the summer break.

The representatives of the 30 states parties to the CFE Treaty will continue discussing and agreeing the measures aimed at ensuring the effectiveness and viability of this Treaty, as well as elaborating the documents necessary for implementing the modernized CFE Treaty after the ratification and entry into force of the Adaptation Agreement.

In July 2002 the Russian Federation stated its concerns within the JCG in a well substantiated way over the plans to invite new members to NATO, some of which are not parties to the CFE Treaty and, accordingly, do not fall under its restrictions. We expect a positive reaction to the necessity raised by us to use the CFE Treaty mechanisms for preserving the balance of forces and stability in Europe.

The JCG session will last until the end of December 2002.

September 2, 2002