Turkey Joins NATO Allies in Suspending Europe Arms Treaty

Turkey suspended an arms treaty that imposed limits on conventional military equipment in Europe, joining NATO allies who did the same after Russia withdrew from the agreement last year.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed a decree suspending Turkey’s obligations under the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, which was originally concluded during the Cold War, from April 8.

The move brings Turkey into line with similar steps by the US, UK and Germany in response to Russia’s withdrawal in November. At the time, the US said its decision would strengthen the alliance’s deterrence and defense capacity by removing restrictions that affect military planning.