Press Release M-NAC- 2(2000)121 Report on Options for Confidence and Security Building Measures (CSBMs), Verification, Non-Prolife- ration, Arms Control and Disarmament December 2000

3. Developments over the Last Decade in the Conventional Arms Control and Disarmament Field 3.1. The Successful Adaptation of the CFE Treaty The Conventional Forces in Europe (CFE) Treaty of 19 November 1990 imposed legally-binding limits on the five categories of treaty limited equipment (TLE), and included provisions for exceptionally comprehensive information exchange and notifications, as well as intrusive on-site inspection and verification arrangements. More than 3.000 inspections have taken place. This transparency in arms holdings is a unique feature in an arms control treaty. The Treaty brought about dramatic reductions in TLE within Europe. More than 50.000 pieces of equipment have been destroyed or removed. During the Treaty Review Conference in 1996, the States Parties recognised the need to adapt the CFE Treaty in order to allow it to continue to sustain its key role in European security arrangements in a changing environment. Adaptation negotiations began in May 1996, reflecting the fact that fundamental changes had occurred since 1990, such as the reunification of Germany, the dissolution of the Warsaw Pact and the USSR, the emergence of new successor states which raised the Treaty's membership from 22 to 30 States, democratisation in Central and Eastern Europe, and the end of bloc-to-bloc tension. The adaptation process was completed with the signing of the legally-binding "Agreement on Adaptation" of the CFE Treaty at the Istanbul OSCE Summit in November 1999, which will enter into force following ratification by States Parties. In Istanbul, a "Final Act" was also adopted. This politically-binding text contains all of the undertakings of restraint and progressive reductions to equipment entitlements which States Parties have offered additionally in the context of Treaty Adaptation. In addition, Allies continue to be concerned that Russia's commitment to return to adapted flank levels as soon as possible remains to be fulfilled. Pending the completion of the ratification process, the full and continued implementation of the Treaty and its associated documents remains crucial. The entry into force of the Adapted Treaty will ensure the continuing viability of the CFE Treaty as a cornerstone of European security and stability. The Adapted Treaty will enhance security throughout Europe, not least as it introduces a more constraining structure of National and Territorial Ceilings, while permitting sufficient flexibility for routine training purposes and effective crisis management. The Adapted Treaty will also permit accession by new States Parties and strengthen Treaty requirements concerning host nation consent to the presence of foreign forces.