Top Democrats warn against withdrawing from treaty that allows observation flights over Russia

Top Democrats warn against withdrawing from treaty that allows observation flights over Russia

Four top defense and foreign policy Democrats in the House and Senate are raising the alarm about the possibility of President Trump withdrawing from a multilateral treaty they argue is a "critical element" of U.S. and European security.

At issue is the Open Skies Treaty, which allows the pact’s 34 signatories, including the United States and Russia, to fly unarmed observation flights over the entire territory of other signatories.

“We understand the administration is considering withdrawing from the Open Skies Treaty and urge you not to do so. Withdrawing from the Treaty would be contrary to U.S. national security, and is apparently moving forward without any notice or consultation with Congress,” the lawmakers wrote Tuesday in a letter to Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. “We understand agencies have been directed not even to discuss this matter with Congress.”

--skip--

“If the president withdraws from this landmark treaty, it will fundamentally demean and devalue the United States commitment to treaties and other international obligations,” they wrote. “We request that you not move forward with any action to withdraw or impair the United States as a party to the treaty absent, at minimum, meaningful consultation with Congress.”

?itok=4yLvMSkq

https://thehill.com/policy/defense/464927-top-democrats-warn-against-withdrawing-from-treaty-that-allows-observation