Russia to launch observation flights over US territory

Russian inspectors will start regular observation flights over the US territory under the Open Skies Treaty, authorities said on Monday.

"The observation flights will be carried out between September 26 and October 1, from the Open Skies airfield Travis (California) with a maximum range of 4,250 km," the Russian Defence Ministry said.

Russian aircraft with American experts on board will monitor US compliance with the treaty, Xinhua news agency reported.

The observation flights are part of the confidence-building measures in Europe after the Cold War under the international Open Skies Treaty, which was signed in March 1992 and took effect in early 2002.

The treaty has currently 34 state parties, including Russia and most Nato members.

--IANS

sm/ksk/sac