nuclear-news

Russia wants conditions on arms agreement with USA

other nuclear-armed nations must take part and the agenda must include weapons in space, strategic missiles equipped with conventional explosives and other non-nuclear conventional weapons. Russia opposes U.S. plans for space-based weapons.

Russian Demands Signal Delay in U.S. Arms Talks – WSJ.comBy RICHARD BOUDREAUX

13 Jan 2011, MOSCOW—Russia said further cuts in nuclear weapons sought by the U.S. can be achieved only as part of a multinational accord limiting other types of armaments, a position that dims the Obama administration’s chances for swift progress toward one of its biggest foreign policy goals
Under the conditions spelled out Thursday by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, a new round of talks aimed at slashing Russia’s large arsenal of short-range tactical nuclear weapons must involve other nuclear powers and focus as well on conventional warheads and weapons in space.

The statement comes in the wake of the two countries’ landmark treaty to limit long-range strategic warheads. U.S. officials have said they expect talks with Russia on tactical nuclear weapons to begin as soon the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, or New Start, goes into force.

The treaty, a centerpiece of the administration’s efforts to “reset” relations with Russia, won U.S. Senate ratification on Dec. 23. Russian lawmakers say they will follow suit this month.

“Before talking about any further steps in the sphere of nuclear disarmament,” Mr. Lavrov cautioned at a news conference, “it’s necessary to fulfill the New Start agreement.” That process could take years, as the former Cold War enemies shrink their long-range nuclear warheads to a limit of 1,550 each, down from the current ceiling of 2,200.

“Then it will become clear what further steps must be taken to strengthen global security and strategic stability,” Mr. Lavrov said.

When those steps are considered, he added, other nuclear-armed nations must take part and the agenda must include weapons in space, strategic missiles equipped with conventional explosives and other non-nuclear conventional weapons. Russia opposes U.S. plans for space-based weapons.

Russian Demands Signal Delay in U.S. Arms Talks – WSJ.com

January 14, 2011 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | politics international, Russia, weapons and war