Putin re-ignites cold war fears

Beijing News.Net
Friday 30th November, 2007

Russian President Vladimir Putin has officially suspended Russia’s Cold War treaty which limits military forces in Europe.

He has signed into law the suspension of Russia’s adherence to the Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty (CFE).

Deteriorating relationships between Russia and NATO countries had led to Mr Putin accusing the West of trying to weaken Russia.

Senior Russian Defence Ministry officials say the suspension will not trigger any immediate redeployment of Russian forces on its western flank, but it may happen in the future.

First deputy speaker Lyubov Sliska has said other international treaties could be re-examined by a new parliament which comes into power on Sunday.

The new parliament is set to be dominated by Vladimir Putin's United Russia party.

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