U.S. – Australia Relations

Australia Welcomes New US-Russia Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty

Canberra — 27 March 2010

Media release
27 March 2010

The Australian Government warmly welcomes the announcement overnight that the United States and Russia have reached agreement on a new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START), to be signed by President Obama and President Medvedev in Prague on 8 April.

We congratulate President Obama and President Medvedev on this major achievement towards the goal of a world without nuclear weapons.

The new START agreement provides for substantial reductions in the numbers of nuclear weapons and ballistic missile launchers deployed by the United States and Russia.

This landmark agreement signals the commitment by both countries to meet their obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Its signature will be a very positive step in achieving a successful outcome to the NPT Review Conference to be held in May.

Australia has a strong commitment to nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament. Together with Japan, we have submitted a Joint Package of Practical Nuclear Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Measures for the NPT Review Conference.

The independent report of the International Commission on Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament, established by Australia and Japan, is also a major contribution to global disarmament and non-proliferation efforts.

Australia remains committed to working with the United States, Russia and other NPT parties to enhance international peace and security by strengthening the nuclear non-proliferation regime and making further progress on disarmament.

Original document from www.foreignminister.gov.au.

Last update: Thursday, 19 August 2010 GMT+1000