Adam Smith and James Cooper believe that the U.S. administration’s decision leads to the isolation of the United States and gives Russia an advantage in arms control.
The U.S. administration’s decision to withdraw from the Treaty on Open Skies leads to the isolation of the United States, gives Russia an advantage in arms control, and also “slaps” American allies in Europe. This opinion was expressed on Thursday by U.S. Congressmen Adam Smith (Democrat, from Washington State) and James Cooper (Democrat, from Tennessee State).
“The administration’s decision to withdraw from the Treaty on Open Skies is a slap on the wrist against our allies in Europe, it jeopardizes our forces stationed in the region and is a blatant violation of the law. This decision weakens our interests in the field of national security, isolates the U.S., because the treaty will continue to operate without us, is a rejection of a useful tool to bring Russia to justice”, – the legislators believe. Their words are quoted by the press service of the Committee on Armed Forces Affairs of the U.S. House of Representatives, chaired by Smith.
“The [U.S. President Donald’s] Trump administration continues to give Russia an advantage over arms control, which leaves our allies and deployed forces in Europe less protected”, – the legislators said, stressing that the decision was taken without any consultation with Congress.
“Despite the Pentagon’s rhetoric about the urgent need to prepare for “competition of great powers,” this decision will undoubtedly lead to the exact opposite, will further destroy our relations with our allies, which are necessary to counter Russian aggression in the region” , – added Smith and Cooper.
In turn, a number of Republican Party lawmakers have already supported the administration’s decision. “Today, the president has taken another positive step towards ending America’s dependence on non-compliant, violated treaties”, – Senator Tom Cotton (Republican, from Arkansas) wrote on Twitter.
“I support the president’s decision to withdraw from the Treaty on Open Skies. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress, as well as with our allies and partners in Europe, to ensure our collective security in the face of Russian aggression” , – said Congressman Michael McCall (Republican, Texas). His words are quoted by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives.