অ্যাকসেসিবিলিটি লিংক

Obama Seeks End to Nuclear Arms


U.S. President Barack Obama has urged all countries to join in a common effort to rid the world of nuclear weapons, calling their existence the "most dangerous legacy of the Cold War."

In an address to tens of thousands of people (in a square at Prague Castle) in the Czech Republic, Mr. Obama called for agreement on a new strategic arms reduction treaty with Russia by the end of the year. He also announced plans to push the U.S. Senate to ratify the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.

He called Korea's missile launch earlier Sunday a violation of the rules. He said the time has come for a strong international response.

Mr. Obama also repeated proposals for contacts with Iran on halting its nuclear program, but said the United States will go forward with plans for a missile shield in Europe as long as Iran remains a threat.

He also called for a new international treaty that verifiably ends the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons and that will include China, India and Pakistan.

Mr. Obama was in Prague for a U.S.-European Union summit. The Czech Republic currently holds the rotating European Union presidency. Opinion polls suggest many Czechs fear the planned missile defense radar installation in the country could create tensions with Russia and more insecurity in Europe.

XS
SM
MD
LG