Events

Belarus calls for more efforts to prevent deployment of INF missiles in Europe

MINSK, 2 August (BelTA) – Belarus has called for investing every possible effort to prevent the deployment of intermediate-range and shorter-range missiles in Europe, reads the statement of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in connection with the US withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, BelTA learned from the press service of the ministry.

“The Republic of Belarus regrets the US withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF Treaty), which leads to the termination of the treaty. The INF Treaty was one of the key elements of modern disarmament architecture. The treaty made a meaningful contribution to reducing tensions and building trust in Europe by banning a whole range of ballistic and cruise missiles and paving the way to practical steps towards nuclear disarmament,” the statement reads.

The INF Treaty termination will seriously damage international security and strategic stability giving rise to a new arms race across various parts of the world, first of all, Europe.

“Being a responsible and consistent party to the INF Treaty, Belarus was ready to take part in any constructive efforts to preserve the treaty. We frequently suggested addressing sensitive issues by means of a professional and respectful dialogue within the framework of the mechanisms stipulated by the treaty. Unfortunately, our proposals met with no response,” the statement reads.

The Belarusian side calls on all the stakeholders across both sides of the Atlantic to take every effort to prevent the deployment of intermediate-range and shorter-range missiles in Europe. Belarus is ready for constructive and focused work to achieve this goal.

print version

make home page

add to bookmarks