U.S. Negotiators in Russia
The U.S. is set to begin negotiations with Russia today to replace the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START), which expires on December 5, 2009. (RIA Novosti)
Under START, signed in 1991, Russia and the U.S. agreed to reduce nuclear warheads to 6,000 and delivery vehicles to 1,600. Eleven years later, the Moscow Treaty, a follow-up to START, required warhead reductions to between 1,700 and 2,200.
Our agreements with Poland and the Czech Republic are expected to be sticking points during the negotiations. The missile defense bases will serve to protect Central Europe from rogue nations like Iran and North Korea , but Russia claims the bases will pose a threat to its homeland. During a recent visit to Japan Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin hinted that our agreements with the two countries will come up: “Russia will certainly link missile defense with all related issues, including strategic arms reduction.”
Then again, the negotiations may go smoothly, considering that President Barack Obama appears ready to appease Russia on this issue. A Russian newspaper reports there is only a “slim chance” the two nations will reach an agreement by the deadline.
Tags: Czech Republic, Iran, North Korea, Poland, Russia, START, Vladimir Putin