US Seeks 'Pretext' to Abandon INF Treaty - Antonov
SAN FRANCISCO (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 13th October, 2018) Russia suspects the statements by the US military on the need for intermediate- and short-range missiles to deter China are an excuse for the Unite States to leave the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, Russian Ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov said on Friday.
"Recently, we hear more and again statements from the US military command that the country requires intermediate- and short-range missiles to deter China," Antonov said at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, California. "Could it be that the United States is looking for a pretext to abandon the INF Treaty, while, obviously, blaming Russia for it?"
Antonov emphasized that Russia has specific concerns regarding US violations of the INF treaty.
"The United States has deployed 'Aegis Ashore' missile defense systems in its base in Romania and plans to do the same in Poland. Vertical launchers similar to the MK-41 all-purpose sea launchers are part of these systems," Antonov said. "They are intended for offensive purposes, including use of sea-based intermediate-range Tomahawk cruise missiles."
The ambassador pointed out that nobody has so far been willing to explain anything regarding these developments to Moscow while the weapon systems are being deployed in direct proximity to Russian borders.
"If we were to deploy such missiles near the US territory, wouldn't it be taken in the United States as a direct threat to its national security?" he said.
Antonov also said that over the past two decades the United States has been testing target missiles that are similar to intermediate- and short-range ground-launched ballistic missiles.
"No explanations have been given to us. How should we respond then?" Antonov asked.
In addition, the United States has increased production and use of assault drones and Russia believes they fall under the purview of the INF treaty, which also covers ground-launched cruise missiles, he noted.
"Our concerns have been once again ignored. What should we do?" Antonov said.
Russia emphasizes the need for fair and transparent discussions on these issues, Antonov said.
"We consider it inappropriate when only American 'concerns' regarding Russian activities are in the spotlight of the international community, while our complaints seem not to exist at all. The goal is not to blame someone for something and simply draw a line, but rather to find a solution to the problem," the ambassador said.
The 1987 INF Treaty prohibits the development, deployment and testing of ground-launched ballistic or cruise missiles with ranges between 300 and 3,400 miles. The United States and Russia have repeatedly accused each other of violating the accord.