Obama, Medvedev Sign Off on Nuclear Treaty

Move a step toward repairing US-Russian relations
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Mar 26, 2010 10:34 AM CDT
Obama, Medvedev Sign Off on Nuclear Treaty
Barack Obama, accompanied by Adm. Michael Mullen, Hillary Clinton, and Robert Gates, briefs reporters at the White House Friday after phoning Dmitry Medvedev to discuss the new START treaty.   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

President Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev agreed today to sharp cuts in the nuclear arsenals of both nations in the most comprehensive arms control treaty in two decades. "We have turned words into action," Obama declared. He said the pact, to be signed April 8 in Prague, was part of his effort to reset relations with Russia and a step on a path toward "the peace and security of a world without nuclear weapons."

The agreement would require both sides to reduce their arsenals of long-range nuclear weapons by about a third, from 2,200 now to 1,500 each. The pact replaces and expands a 1991 treaty that expired in December. "In many ways, nuclear weapons represent both the darkest days of the Cold War, and the most troubling threats of our time," Obama said. "Today, we have taken another step forward in leaving behind the legacy of the 20th century while building a more secure future for our children." (More Barack Obama stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X