Dick Lugar: “I voted in committee to support the CFE Flank Document and the accompanying resolution of ratification that was reported…”

“I voted in committee to support the CFE Flank Document and the accompanying resolution of ratification that was reported favorably by the Committee on Foreign Relations last week. Let me review a few of the issues that commanded committee concern. The Flank Document and Relations Between Russia and Former Soviet States During committee consideration of the CFE Flank Document, members on both sides of the aisle voiced concern over United States willingness to serve as an intermediary in negotiations between Russia and other former Soviet states to secure permission for temporary Russian troop deployments on their soil or for revision of the Russian treaty-limited equipment quotas set in the 1992 Tashkent Agreement. Paragraphs 2 and 3 of section IV of the Flank Document restate Russia's right to seek such permission "by means of free negotiations and with full respect for the sovereignty of the States Parties involved". A United States note passed to the Russians, according to Undersecretary of State Lynn Davis, said that the United States was "prepared to facilitate or act as an intermediary for a successful outcome in" such negotiations. United States officials state that Washington's offer to serve as an intermediary between Russia and other Tashkent Agreement signatories was for the purpose of leveling the playing field between Russia and smaller countries.”