Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty signed

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his American counterpart George W. Bush have signed the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty. In compliance with Article I of the Treaty, the total number of nuclear warheads in Russia and the United States should be at the level of 1,700-2,200 by December 31st, 2012.

The Treaty also envisages that "each side will independently determine the structure and composition of its strategic arms taking into account the afore-mentioned restriction imposed on the number of such warheads." Russia and the United States also agree that "the START Treaty remains in force," the document reads.

In addition, Moscow and Washington have come to an agreement that the implementation of the Treaty will be inspected by a bilateral commission, which should be assembled not rarer than twice a year.

The Treaty's validity period is up till December 31st, 2012. The document can be prolonged or replaced by another agreement. Russia and the USA also have a right "to withdraw from the Treaty having submitted a written notification to the other side three months prior to the withdrawal," the document reads.

The Russo-American Treaty will take force on the day the sides exchange instruments of ratification.