Russia to stop sharing troop moves data with NATO

MOSCOW, May 3 (Reuters) Russia said today it would no longer inform NATO states about movements of troops on its territory, confirming a decision to freeze its commitments under the Conventional Forces in Europe (CFE) treaty.

''We have announced a moratorium and will not inform anyone any longer about movements of troops on our own territory,'' Russian news agencies quoted First Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov as saying on a visit to Russia's central Bryansk region.

''As long as our partners do not ratify this treaty, we will continue observing the moratorium.'' President Vladimir Putin declared a moratorium on the CFE pact last week, escalating a row between the United States and Russia over US plans to build a missile shield in eastern Europe. NATO has expressed grave concerns over the pact freeze.

NATO has for years insisted that Russia withdraw its remaining troops from Georgia and Moldova before its members ratify a revised version of the 1990 pact.

Reuters RS DB2155