A decree signed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declares that the nation will leave the Convention on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) on April 8.
Turkey’s official publication, the Resmi Gazete, has published the decree.
According to the document, the Republic of Turkey and other state parties have decided to halt the implementation of the CFE treaty, with effect from April 8, 2024, in accordance with the presidential order.
The CFE treaty, signed in Paris on November 19, 1990, was ratified by the Turkish government on July 1, 1992. The treaty limits the number of weapons and equipment in five basic categories (battle tanks, armored combat vehicles, artillery systems with a caliber of 100 mm and above, warplanes and attack helicopters) for the armed forces of 30 countries. It also provides for information exchanges and inspections.
According to Yeni Safak, a pro-government daily in Turkey, Russia withdrew from the CFE accord in November of 2023. Following that, the US and NATO stopped fulfilling their treaty-related commitments. At the time, Ankara called on NATO countries to revert to the pact and expressed remorse over their actions. The report makes clear that growing international tensions are the reason behind Turkey’s current decision.
Citing diplomatic sources, Turkish media outlets report that Ankara claims the pact is no longer relevant because no one is really abiding by its provisions at the moment. The media does point out that Turkey may decide to reverse its decision to halt fulfilling its responsibilities.
