Russia May Ratify Arms Reduction Treaty in May

Russia may ratify the Strategic Offensive Reductions Treaty as early as May, according to Vladimir Lukin, a deputy speaker in the State Duma. Lukin made this prediction today at a press conference on 'Russian foreign policy priorities after the war in Iraq.' He reminded journalists that President Putin has called for the treaty to be ratified.

The deputy speaker said that by delaying ratification, 'Russia is punishing itself.' The treaty will, above all, limit the US' forces, which are considerably stronger than Russia's, explained Lukin. He underlined that it was Russia which insisted on a written treaty, when the US had intended to 'confirm the agreement with a handshake.'