. | . |
Lavrov Against Arms Race In Space
Geneva, Switzerland (SPX) Mar 09, 2009 Russia's foreign minister said Saturday that an arms race in outer space is inadmissible and called on other world powers to unite efforts in countering missile threats. "Prevention of an arms race in space will contribute to ensuring the predictability of the strategic situation and preserving the orbital property," Sergei Lavrov told a disarmament conference in Geneva, adding that all states using space objects for civilian purposes should be interested in it. Lavrov said that in February last year Russia and China submitted a draft international treaty on prevention of outer space weaponization. "We plan, jointly with China, to submit to your consideration soon a document generalizing the results of discussions that have taken place at the conference and containing reaction to comments on the draft treaty. We hope the document will become a good help for future talks," the Russian minister said. Lavrov also voiced a proposal to unite the efforts of all countries who believe potential missile threats should be countered. "In the spirit of strategic openness, we offer a constructive alternative to unilateral plans in this very important sphere - to unite the efforts of all states interested in countering potential missile threats," he said. The U.S. has often cited Iran's controversial nuclear program as one of the reasons behind its plans to deploy a missile base in Poland and radar in the Czech Republic. The missile shield has been strongly opposed by Russia, which views it as a threat to its national security. The dispute has strained relations between the former Cold War rivals, already tense over a host of other differences. The United States and other Western nations suspect Tehran of secretly seeking nuclear weapons. Iran says its nuclear program is purely aimed at generating electricity. However, unlike his predecessor, George W. Bush, Obama has stated a preference for diplomatic efforts to resolve the dispute.
Source: RIA Novosti Share This Article With Planet Earth
Related Links - Military Space News at SpaceWar.com
Testing Of Advanced Missile Warning Sensor Completed El Segundo CA (SPX) Mar 05, 2009 Raytheon has completed performance testing of an infrared missile warning sensor that monitors an entire hemisphere from a single telescope. |
|
The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2007 - SpaceDaily.AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA Portal Reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement,agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by SpaceDaily on any Web page published or hosted by SpaceDaily. Privacy Statement |