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Back to NPT Statements & Documents
NPT/CONF.2005/PC.II/21, April 30, 2003.
The United States of America and the Russian Federation have the honor to present to the participants of the NPT Preparatory Committee session the text of the Treaty on Strategic Offensive Reductions (Moscow Treaty), signed by the presidents of the U.S. and Russia on May 24, 2002. Under the Treaty, the United States and Russia will reduce their strategic nuclear warheads to a level of 1,700 to 2,200 by December 31, 2012.
The conclusion of the Moscow Treaty represents significant progress by the U.S. and Russia toward the goals of Article VI of the NPT. The Treaty's reduction in the strategic nuclear arsenals of the two countries by two-thirds from the levels existing today is a major contribution to the case of nuclear disarmament.
The Moscow Treaty is an important link in the chain of agreements in the area of strategic offensive arms reductions. Reaffirming the significance of the START Treaty, it will bring both countries' nuclear arsenals down to the lowest levels in decades. In the Joint Declaration on the New Strategic Relationship signed by the presidents of our two countries in May 2002, the U.S. and Russia declared their intention to carry out strategic offensive reductions to the lowest possible levels, consistent with their national security requirements and alliance obligations, and reflecting the new nature of their strategic relations.
The U.S. Senate has given its unanimous advice and consent to the Moscow Treaty. The ratification process is also close to completion in Russia. The U.S. and Russia believe that the earliest entry into force of the Moscow Treaty will contribute to strengthening international security and stability, and they will apply all their efforts to this end.
The Consultative Group for Strategic Security established by the presidents of the U.S. and Russia has been called upon to play a role in the field of disarmament. This permanently functioning mechanism, chaired by Foreign and Defense Ministers, is already working actively conducting work to strengthen mutual trust, expand transparency, share information and plans, and discuss strategic issues of mutual interest. Other practical measures are being considered as well.
John Wolf, Head of U.S. Delegation to the PrepCom
A Mostovets, Head of Russian Delegation to the PrepCom
© 2003 The Acronym Institute.