Putin warns of freezing arms treaty

WATCH VIDEO

Source: CCTV.com | 04-27-2007 10:54

Russia's President Vladimir Putin speaks during his annual address to both houses of parliament in the Kremlin in Moscow April 26, 2007. [Photo: Reuters]

President Vladimir Putin is calling for a moratorium on the Russia's participation in a key arms control treaty. He says that's until the US and other NATO members ratify the agreement. This came in Putin's State of the Nation address in Moscow on Thursday.

This is Putin's final state-of-the-nation to the parliament in the Kremlin. The Russian President vowed to enhance the country's military strength. He said the freeze would continue until every NATO country has approved the treaty and begun to implement it.

Putin said, "Not everyone likes the stable and step-by-step development of our country. There are some people who skillfully use pseudo democratic slogans, but would be happy to see us return to our recent past."

The 1990 Conventional Armed Forces in Europe Treaty, or CFE, regulates the deployment of military aircraft, tanks and other heavy non-nuclear weapons around the continent. An amended version of the treaty was signed in 1999 to reflect changes following the Soviet Union's breakup. Russia ratified the amended version. However, the US and other NATO members refused, accusing Russia of failing to meet its commitment to pull its military forces from Georgia and Moldova.

He also proposed the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe discuss U.S. plans to deploy a missile defense system in central Europe. Putin says it's not only a problem for Russia-US relations, it concerns the interests of all European states.

During the one-hour address, Putin also urged there be tougher laws against extremists. He also hailed economic achievements in recent years.

The annual speech, which will set priorities for the coming year, is less than 11 months away from the presidential election that will determine Putin's successor.

Putin said, "I will allow myself a small, almost lyrical, digression from the purely business-like format of today's address. In the spring of 2008, my presidential duties will expire, and the next address to the Federal Assembly will be made by another head of state."

There have been repeat appeals for Putin to continue his presidency. However, he has insisted he will step down next year when his second term ends, but wants his successor to continue his course.

Editor:Du Xiaodan