Obama and Medvedev Reach Agreements
U.S. President Obama and Russian Federation President Dmitry Medvedev, sat down in Moscow on July 6 to talk about items of importance to both nations, including development of missile defense systems, strategic nuclear arms reduction and Afghanistan.
On Missile Defense: The presidents agreed that both the U.S. and the Russian Federation would “work together to analyze the ballistic missile challenges of the 21st century and to prepare appropriate recommendations, giving priority to the use of political and diplomatic methods.” They also agreed to continue joint development of a “Data Exchange Center,” a system for multilateral notification of worldwide missile launches. In addition, the presidents called on all countries with nuclear weapons to “refrain from steps that could lead to missile proliferation and undermine regional and global stability.”
On Nuclear Arms Reduction: The presidents signed a Joint Understanding guiding the remainder of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START), scheduled to expire on Dec. 5, 2009. Under the Joint Agreement, both countries agree to reduce their strategic nuclear warheads to a range of 1500-1675, and their strategic nuclear-capable missiles to a range of 500-1100. The agreed numbers are actually lower than those provided for in the expiring START treaty – 2200 warheads and 1600 missiles.
On Afghanistan: Both presidents reaffirmed their nations’ commitment to fighting terrorism, armed extremism, and illegal drug trafficking in Afghanistan. In perhaps the most substantive action of the mini-summit, President Medvedev agreed to allow the United States to transport military personnel and equipment across Russia to support American and Coalition forces in Afghanistan. Under the agreement, the U.S. will be allowed to make up 4,500 military flights per year over Russia, resulting in a savings to the U.S. of about $133 million annually in fuel, maintenance and other transportation costs. President Medvedev agreed to waive all Russian air navigation and transportation fees for the over-flights.
Also See:
US, Russia Agree to Reduce Nukes (2002)
Nuclear Weapons: Pay Up to Cleanup
How US Missile Defense Violates the 1972 ABM Treaty (2001)
Comments
OBAMA EATS BELUGA WHALE WITH PUTIN
Why isnt the media talking about Obama eating smoked BELUGA WHALE with pancakes with Putin on his trip?
If you have forgotten those are the cute white looking whales you see at all the zoo’s in American.
Where is PETA on this one?
QUOTE:
Russian agencies, quoting the government’s press service, said Putin treated Obama to black caviar with sour cream, smoked beluga with pancakes and tea made in the traditional Russian samovar, a big coal-fired kettle.
http://www.reuters.com/article/reutersComService_2_MOLT/idUSTRE5661Q520090707