Disarmament Diplomacy

Issue No. 18, September 1997

Russian Defence Minister Tries to Sell START

On 2 September, Russia's Defence Minister, Igor Sergeyev, speaking in Severomorsk, urged Russia's Parliament, the Duma, to turn quickly to the issue of START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) II ratification when it began its new session the following day. Sergeyev argued:

"It is extremely important to ratify START II, and immediately proceed to preparing and signing [START III]... As a specialist, I am convinced that this treaty needs to be adopted and I am ready to prove that I am right at any level with all the necessary calculations - military, political and economic alike..."

Report: Russia official wants START II OK'd, Associated Press, 2 September.

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