Germany, Greece, Italy to Conduct Observation Flights Over Russia: Defense Ministry

MOSCOW, October 13 (RIA Novosti) - A joint mission of Germany, Greece and Italy will carry out observation flights over the territory of Russia under the Treaty on Open Skies, the head of the Russian National Center for Reducing Nuclear Threat Sergei Ryzhkov has said.

"From October 13 to 17, under the international Treaty on Open Skies, a joint mission of Germany, Greece and Italy will conduct an observation flight over the territory of the Russian Federation on a Swedish SAAB 340 observation aircraft," Ryzhkov said.

According to the treaty, an observation aircraft can only be equipped with sensors from the categories, specified by the treaty, excluding any type of armament.

During a flight, following the route, approved by the participating parties, Russian specialists on board of the plane will monitor the use of the surveillance equipment and ensure the compliance with the treaty provisions.

The Treaty on Open Skies was signed in 1992 in Helsinki and currently applies to 34 countries. The treaty establishes a regime of unarmed aerial observation flights over the entire territory of its participants. The treaty is designed to enhance mutual understanding and confidence by giving all participants a direct role in gathering information about areas of concern to them.