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Trump: US May Rethink Decision to Exit Open Skies Surveillance Treaty

Associated Press

   WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump said Thursday that Russian
   violations make it untenable for the U.S. to stay in a treaty that
   permits 30-plus nations to conduct observation flights over each
   other's territory, but he hinted it's possible the U.S. will reconsider
   the decision.

   The Open Skies Treaty that governs the unarmed overflights was
   initially set up to promote trust and avert conflict between the U.S.
   and Russia. The Trump administration informed other members of the
   treaty that it will pull out in six months because Russia is violating
   the pact and imagery collected during the flights can be obtained
   quickly at less cost from U.S. or commercial satellites.

   "Russia didn't adhere to the treaty. So until they adhere, we will pull
   out, but there's a very good chance we'll make a new agreement or do
   something to put that agreement back together," Trump told reporters at
   the White House before leaving for Michigan.

   "So I think what's going to happen is we're going to pull out and they
   (the Russians) are going to come back and want to make a deal," Trump
   said. He added: "I think something very positive will work."

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