Soviet Objections Cloud Optimism for Early Accord on ‘Open Skies’
NATO and Warsaw Pact officials negotiating an “open skies” treaty hit unexpected turbulence in talks that ended Tuesday and must now look to a second set of talks to break the impasse.
The negotiations, aimed at clinching a treaty to allow reciprocal surveillance flights over 23 North Atlantic Treaty Organization and Warsaw Pact countries, are to resume late in April in Budapest, Hungary.
But much of the optimism has now faded that the two alliances could sign an accord by May.
“There is a sense the Soviet delegation is somewhat isolated,” one source close to the negotiations said.
U.S. representative John Hawes said the Soviets have raised several objections, meaning a lot of work remains.
Soviet Deputy Foreign Minister Victor P. Karpov said more compromising is needed by NATO members on Soviet demands for shared information gathered by common sensor equipment.
“If information is not shared equally you cannot build confidence,” Karpov said. “That’s the problem.”
Western officials said the Soviets are insisting on a lower level of technology in the sensor equipment, so that NATO, with more advanced technology, would not hold an advantage.
NATO is demanding sensor technology that can gather detailed information in stormy weather or at night.
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