Open Skies Treaty Pdf
The open skies treaty was signed in helsinki in 1992 and took effect a decade later.
Open skies treaty pdf. Organization for security and co operation in europe. Flights over russia which is by far the most overflown and best monitored country in the treaty. The treaty established a regime of unarmed observation flights over the territories of state parties. The treaty is designed to enhance mutual understanding and confidence by giving all participants regardless of size a direct role in gathering information through aerial imaging on military forces and activities of concern to them.
To the senate of the united states. Purposes of this treaty is not equipped to carry and employ weapons. Letter of transmittal. 1 the eln open skies.
It specifies inter alia quotas for observation flights. I transmit herewith for the advice and consent of the senate to ratification the treaty on open skies. The open skies treaty. The withdrawal will occur in six months on november 22 2020.
Background and issues updated may 21 2020 according to secretary of state michael pompeo the united states will give notice of its intent to withdraw from the treaty on open skies on may 22 2020. Open skies key decisions. The term observation flight means the flight of the observation aircraft conducted by an observing party over the territory of an observed party as provided in the flight plan from the point of entry or open skies airfield to the point of exit or open skies airfield. The treaty on open skies establishes a regime of unarmed aerial observation flights over the territories of its signatories.
Summary and recommendation the u s. The white house august 12 1992. Withdrawal from the open skies treaty will take place on november 22 2020 but president trump remains in office until january 20 2021. Treaty on open skies.
I believe that the treaty on open skies is in the best interest of the united states. The treaty on open skies introduction the treaty on open skies allows for states party to the treaty to conduct unarmed observation flights over the territory of other states to foster inter military transparency and cooperation. The united states canada and 22 european countries including russia signed the treaty in helsinki on march 24 1992.