17/12/2007 (Agence Europe) - The Portuguese EU presidency reacted strongly to the Russian decision to suspend its participation in the Conventional Forces in Europe (CFE) Treaty as of Wednesday 12 December. In a statement issued the same day, the presidency urged Russia to “continue to engage with CFE partners in the search for an acceptable solution”, for all parties. The presidency also recalls that “the EU considers the CFE Treaty as the cornerstone of security and stability in Europe”. Signed on 19 December 1990 in Paris by 16 EU member states and 6 states of the former Warsaw Pact (and amended in 1999), the Treaty limits the quantities of conventional weapons in Europe. Russia suspended its participation in the CFE during the night of 11-12 December 2007 due to the “exceptional circumstances” that endanger the security of Russia and require urgent measures, according to the decree signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Russia demands that all NATO member nations ratify the adapted version of the CFE Treaty and ensure that it is strictly applied. (A.By.)