STATEMENT BY THE DELEGATION OF UKRAINE TO THE JOINT CONSULTATIVE GROUP

Today, 12 December 2007, will see the coming into effect of the decision of the Russian Federation to suspend the application of the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, which has for more than fifteen years been one of the main elements of the European security architecture.

Ukraine is concerned at the development of the situation around this Treaty, which puts into question the possibility of further implementation of the provisions of this international mechanism of conventional arms control and presents the threat of a return to an atmosphere of mistrust on the European continent.

Ukraine calls upon the States Parties to the Treaty to intensify the search for a mutually acceptable solution that would take into account the interests of all sides in this sphere, and hopes that constructive dialogue will prevent the erosion of an established conventional arms control regime in Europe.

We reaffirm our readiness to make all necessary efforts to find a solution which would lead to the entry into force of the Agreement on Adaptation of the Treaty as soon as possible.