2010 to be key year in fight against nuclear arms

Next year will be crucial for global nuclear non-proliferation efforts.  All eyes will be on the United States and Russia to see if the two top atomic powers can reach a deal to reduce their arsenals. "The START follow-on agreement, which appears to be nearing a conclusion, won't dramatically reduce arsenals on either side, but it will be an important demonstration of the will to move towards disarmament," said Mark Fitzpatrick of the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies, a Ploughshares Fund grantee.  Joe Cirincione added that ratification of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, another milestone approaching in the coming year, is viewed by most nations as "the litmus test of U.S. commitment to stopping the spread of nuclear weapons."

 

Reuters