Jens Stoltenberg: Russia flight restrictions, including near its border with Georgia, breach ‘Open Skies’

Russia’s years-long flight restrictions, including restricting flights near its border with Georgia, breach the international accord, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said the North Atlantic Council’s (NAC) discussion about the Open Skies Treaty.

“Russia’s ongoing selective implementation of its obligations under the Open Skies Treaty has undermined the contribution of this important Treaty to security and stability in the Euro-Atlantic region,” the NATO Secretary General said.

According to him, Russia’s return to full compliance is the best way to preserve the benefits of the Treaty.

“NATO Allies will continue to uphold, support, and further strengthen arms control, disarmament, and non-proliferation, as a key element of Euro-Atlantic security,” Stoltenberg said adding that the Alliance continues to aspire to a constructive relationship with Russia, when Russia’s actions make that possible.