NATO calls on Russia to comply with INF Treaty

By Serife Cetin </p> <p>BRUSSELS (AA) – NATO on Tuesday called on Russia to return to full compliance with Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. </p> <p>NATO released a statement after the meeting of member countries’ foreign ministers in Brussels. </p> <p>“We call on Russia to return urgently to full and verifiable compliance. It is now up to Russia to preserve the INF Treaty,” the statement said. </p> <p>“The INF Treaty has been crucial in upholding NATO's security for over 30 years. Allies have concluded that Russia has developed and fielded a missile system, which violates the INF Treaty and poses significant risks to Euro-Atlantic security. We strongly support the finding of the United States that Russia is in material breach of its obligations under the INF Treaty,” it added. </p> <p>The statement noted that the U.S. and its allies have repeatedly raised their concerns with Russia, both bilaterally and multilaterally.</p> <p>It said Russia “only recently acknowledged the existence of the missile system, but without providing the necessary transparency or explanation.” </p> <p>“The United States has remained in full compliance with its obligations under the INF Treaty since it entered into force,” the statement said.</p> <p>“NATO will continue to ensure the credibility and effectiveness of the Alliance's overall deterrence and defence posture,” it added. </p> <p> </p> <p>