Media Note Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC July 3, 2007 Joint Statement by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey LavrovFollowing is the text of a joint statement by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov: Begin Text The United States and Russia reiterate their intention to carry out strategic offensive reductions to the lowest possible level consistent with their national security requirements and alliance commitments. To this end, Ministers discussed development of a post-START arrangement to provide continuity and predictability regarding strategic offensive forces. Upon instructions of the Presidents, the sides will continue these discussions with a view toward early results. We are fully committed to the goals of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, and consider the arrangement we are pursuing to be a further step in implementing our commitments under Article VI of the Treaty. End Text 2007/542 |