Expiration of START Treaty Expected, No Reason to Panic
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 4, 2009
CONTACT: Travis Sharp
Washington D.C. – Tomorrow’s expiration of the 1991 Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START), which contains legally-binding verification measures, should be looked at in the broader context of negotiations with Russia on a soon-to-be finalized “New START” agreement, experts at the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation said today.
In a joint statement released Friday, the United States and Russia pledged “to continue to work together in the spirit of the START Treaty following its expiration, as well as our firm intention to ensure that a new treaty on strategic arms enter into force at the earliest possible date.”
John Isaacs, Executive Director of the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, said: “The expiration was expected, which is why the Obama administration has strongly pushed to finalize negotiations on New START.”
Isaacs added: “Even though there will be no replacement by December 5, there is no reason to panic since both sides are actively finalizing a new treaty.”
Leonor Tomero, Director of Nuclear Non-Proliferation, noted: “Once New START is signed, both sides will be obligated under international law not to take any action contrary to its provisions, even if New START does not enter into force for a few months.”
Tomero added: “Let’s not lose track of the significant progress that is being made on verifiable, legally-binding reductions that will both lessen the danger posed by nuclear weapons and strengthen U.S.-Russian relations.”
Once New START is submitted to Congress, the U.S. Senate will consider whether or not to consent to ratification. A vote is expected sometime in the spring, and 67 votes are required for approval.
For more information, visit the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation’s START Briefing Book.
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