G8 Summit: the 1st day’s results. Nuclear problem
Leaders of the G8 reached some agreements on climate, international security and the global economy.
Gary Samore, the White House point man, has noticed that the basic area of disagreement is that the U.S. push for a missile defense system in Poland and the Czech Republic.
Russia considers that this is a direct challenge to its own defense.
Obama’s speech:
“I know Russia opposes the planned configuration for missile defense in Europe. And my administration is reviewing these plans to enhance the security of America, Europe and the world. And I’ve made it clear that this system is directed at preventing a potential attack from Iran. It has nothing to do with Russia. In fact, I want to work together with Russia on a missile defense architecture that makes us all safer. But if the threat from Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs is eliminated, the driving force for missile defense in Europe will be eliminated, and that is in our mutual interest”.
Russian politicians think U.S. officials are lying saying that planned missile shield installations in Eastern Europe are meant to defend against possible Iranian attack. Russia considers that a direct challenge to its own defense. Obama has so far stayed noncommittal; here, he hints at using the planned bases as a bargaining chip. If you don’t want radar and interceptors near your border, Obama tells the Russians, you’d better get a lot more helpful with Iran.
Obama is reproaching Moscow on several points: for its war last year with Georgia; for insisting that Georgia’s breakaway republics, South Ossetia and Abkhazia, are independent nations; and for interfering in Ukrainian politics. Moscow dismisses the American criticism. The response is the following: Where was your interest in state sovereignty when you recognized the independence of Kosovo from Serbia last year? And how can you tell us about secure borders after invading Iraq and Afghanistan, and while you are still occupying those lands? Moscow argues that the United States is pursuing its own goals in Ukraine and Georgia, trying to break down the two countries’ historical ties to Moscow in order to undermine and contain Russian power.
In spite of the fact that many questions remained opened, the contract between Russia And the USA has given something to both sides.
On 7th of July President Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev agreed to reduce their nations’ nuclear arsenals. According to the new contract, the maximum number of warheads will be reduced to 1 500 - 1 675 for each party, and also new pact would set a limit of between 500 and 1,100 devices that can deliver the warheads, while earlier this number was 1,600. But the Russians have only about 800 delivery systems.