[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992, Book I)]
[March 24, 1992]
[Page 502]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on the Open Skies Treaty

March 24, 1992
    Today the United States, along with Canada and 22 European nations, 
signed the Treaty on Open Skies in Helsinki, Finland.
    In May of 1989, at a time when the immense changes seen in Europe 
over the past 3 years were just beginning, President Bush proposed that 
the nations of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the 
former Warsaw Pact agree to open their territories to frequent 
overflights by observation aircraft from the other side. The United 
States believes that the greater transparency in military activities 
brought about by such an agreement will help reduce the chances of 
military confrontation and build confidence in the peaceful intentions 
of the participating States.
    The Open Skies Treaty is the most wide-ranging international 
confidence-building regime ever developed, covering the entire territory 
of North America and nearly all of Europe and the former Soviet Union. 
Its arrangements for observation flights using photographic, radar, and 
infrared sensors and its provisions for sharing among participants the 
information gathered are innovative means to help promote openness and 
stability in Europe in these uncertain times. Open Skies could also 
serve as a basis for similar arrangements in other regions of the world 
where there is a need to build confidence.
    The treaty establishes an Open Skies Consultative Commission. In 
early April it will convene in Vienna, Austria, to complete work on 
outstanding technical and cost issues regarding treaty implementation. 
The treaty will be submitted to the United States Senate for its advice 
and consent to ratification once this work is finished to the 
satisfaction of all participants.