Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has issued a decree withdrawing the Republic of Turkey from the Conventional Armed Forces in Europe Treaty (CFE Treaty), with the withdrawal slated to take effect on April 8. The decree was published in the official government newspaper, Resmi Gazete.
According to the document, it has been decided to suspend the implementation of the treaty between Turkey and other states party to the CFE Treaty starting from April 8, 2024, as per the presidential decree.
The CFE Treaty, signed on November 19, 1990, in Paris and ratified by the Turkish government on July 1, 1992, imposes limitations on the number of conventional armaments and equipment in five main categories: battle tanks, armored combat vehicles, artillery systems of 100 mm caliber and above, combat aircraft, and attack helicopters for the armed forces of 30 states. The treaty also entails provisions for the exchange of information and inspections.
Following Russia's withdrawal from the CFE Treaty in November 2023, the US and NATO announced the suspension of their obligations under the treaty. Turkey expressed regret over NATO partners' decision at that time and urged them to reconsider. The recent decision by Turkey comes amidst escalating international tensions.
Reports from Turkish media, citing diplomatic sources, indicate that Ankara views the treaty as having lost its relevance in the current geopolitical climate, with its obligations not being effectively fulfilled. However, it's noted that the decision to suspend obligations under the treaty may be reversible.
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Based on materials from TASS