国际英语资讯:U.S. announces withdrawal from landmark nuclear treaty with Russia, sparking worry, criticis_时事

国际英语资讯:U.S. announces withdrawal from landmark nuclear treaty with Russia, sparking worry, criticis

NATO backed Washington's decision in a statement released after Pompeo's remarks, urging Russia to "return to full and verifiable compliance" to the treaty.

In his remarks, Pompeo also said that the United States will provide Russia and the other treaty parties with formal notice that the United States is withdrawing from the INF Treaty "effective in six months."

Meanwhile, the top U.S. diplomat said Washington would reconsider its pulling-out decision in the following months if Russia could take actions toward what the United States regards as bringing the country back into compliance with the treaty.

Washington and Moscow have been accusing each other of violating the historic deal on the elimination of intermediate-range and shorter-range missiles. The agreement marked the first-ever pact reached by the two sides on nuclear disarmament and a major step forward in restricting arms race.

In early December, Pompeo sent an "ultimatum" to Moscow concerning the INF, saying that the United States would suspend its obligations under the pact in 60 days unless Russia returns to full compliance with the agreement.

Washington's latest move has generated concerns and criticism inside and outside America.

"The Trump Administration is risking an arms race and undermining international security and stability," said U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in a statement.

The administration has "yet again decided that America should go it alone, this time, by paving the way for a dangerous arms race, with costly new weapons," Senator Ed Markey said in a tweet.