LITHUANIA WELCOMES THE U.S. SENATE’S RATIFICATION OF THE U.S. AND RUSSIA STRATEGIC ARMS REDUCTION TREATY
Lithuania welcomes the decision of the U.S. Senate to ratify the new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START), which provides for substantial reductions in the U.S. and Russian strategic nuclear arsenals, and arms control mechanisms that would increase international security. The new Treaty is important also for the Lithuanian national security, as it contributes to the enhancement of Lithuania’s security environment. Lithuania hopes that the successful ratification of the Treaty at the U.S. Senate will set an example, which other countries around the world could follow and aim to make progress in the areas of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. Lithuania believes that START opens up possibilities to increase transparency and to aim at including tactical nuclear weapons into international arms control regimes. Transparency is a necessary and important means of building confidence and promoting security in Europe. We also believe that the Treaty will contribute to the strengthening of transatlantic security and the implementation of the goals of NATO’s new Strategic Concept.
