What was new on STAR Site?
February, 2003
February 26, 2003
"...We have always had building our relations based on the balance of power. Times are different now, but it doesn't mean that Russian won't have contradictions with the US, even if, as I believe, they won't lead to a direct confrontation. For Russia, in order to ensure sovereignty and territorial integrity, solve the problems of restructuring of the Armed Forces solve the problems of moving towards democratic society that we have chosen, about thousand warheads will suffice. Even if Americans build national missile defenses..." (Counted Hours Left before a War with Iraq, - in Russian, by Vadim Solovyev, Nezavisimoye Voyennoye Obozreniye, February 21, 2003) - an interview with Col. Gen. Yuri Baluyevsky, first deputy chief of Russia's general staff.Shortcomings of the SOR Treaty are analyzed in recent comments by Natural Resources Defense Council:
- How to Fix the Moscow Treaty, (Natural Resources Defense Council, February 5, 2003)
- Bush Plans Permanent U.S. Nuclear Advantage Under Moscow Treaty, (Natural Resources Defense Council, February 4, 2003)
- The Moscow Treaty's Hidden Flaws, (Natural Resources Defense Council, February 3, 2003)
U.S. and Russian Cooperative Threat Reduction programs and shared scientific research projects have the potential to significantly increase the transparency and efficiency of nuclear disarmament, according to a policy brief released by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace:
- Disarmament Through Mutual Transparency, (by David McGlinchey, Global Security Newswire, Tuesday, February 25, 2003)
- Beyond Arms Control: How to Deal with Nuclear Weapons, (by Rose Gottemoeller, Senior Associate Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, February 23, 2003)
Converting long-range, ground-based nuclear missiles into nonnuclear rockets may become a promising way of further development of strategic arms, according to US Air Force officials: U.S. Considers Conventional Warheads On Nuclear Missiles, (by Eric Schmitt, The New York Times, February 24, 2003). See also Eugene Miasnikov's paper on Precision-Guided Munitions and Strategic Balance (in Russian)
After several reorganizations of the Russian Ministry of Defense, the future of TsNII-4, leading research institute of Strategic Rocket Forces is unclear: Does MoD Need TsNII-4?, - in Russian, (by Vladimir Yeliseyev, Nezavisimoye Voyennoye Obozreniye, February 21, 2003)
The lack of reliable control over current technical state of the Moscow ABM system can lead to a catastrophe: Window of Vulnerability, - in Russian, (by Pyotr Polkovnikov, Nezavisimoye Voyennoye Obozreniye, February 21, 2003)
According to Russian MoD, early warning locator in Gabala can not currently fulfil the tasks, that the US can be interested in during operation in Persian Gulf: Military Alliance with the US Arrogated to Russia, - in Russian, (by Mikhail Khodarenok, Ksenia Babayeva, Arif Useynov, Nezavisimaya Gazeta, February 19, 2003)
According to the US Missile Defense Agency, the missile defense kill vehicle will be ready for deployment as scheduled next year. At the same time, the Pentagon is seeking a waiver to exempt the missile defense system from standard testing requirements:
- TRW Missile Suit Dismissed, (by John O'Dell, Los Angeles Times, February 25, 2003)
- Pentagon Testing Official Says Missile Defense Not Ready, (Global Security Newswire, Monday, February 24, 2003)
- Missile Defense Waiver Sought, (by Esther Schrader, Los Angeles Times, February 24, 2003)
- Raytheon Kill Vehicle On Schedule, (by Alan D. Fischer, Arizona Daily Star, February 22, 2003)
Los Alamos Study Group, a non-profit, research-oriented, nuclear disarmament organization published classified documents on its Web site revealing that Pentagon officials are planning to meet in August to discuss US nuclear weapons requirements, including the possibility of a new generation of nuclear warheads to destroy hardened and deeply buried targets, such as reinforced bunkers holding chemical or biological weapons.
- U.S. Explores Developing Low-Yield Nuclear Weapons, (by Walter Pincus, The Washington Post, Thursday, February 20, 2003; Page A09)
- Pentagon Planning Nuclear Weapons Meeting, (Global Security Newswire, Wednesday, February 19, 2003)
- US plan for new nuclear arsenal, (by Julian Borger, The Guardian, Wednesday, February 19, 2003)
- Wasteless, - in Russian, (by Dmitriy Litovkin, Izvestia, February 19, 2003)
- Stockpile Stewardship Conference Planning Meeting Minutes, 10 January 2003, Pentagon, Room 3C912 0930-1200
Recent issue of The Monitor (Winter/Spring 2003, Vol. 9, No. 1) is devoted to US nuclear policy (a PDF file):
- Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction in a New National Security Strategy, (by Robert G. Joseph, National Security Council)
- “The Gravest Danger”: Proliferation, Terrorism, and the Bush Doctrine, (by Jason D. Ellis, Senior Research Professor, Center for Counter Proliferation Research)
- “Terrorists and Tyrants”: Problems with the U.S. Approach, (by Derek Averre, Centre for Russian and East European Studies, University of Birmingham)
- The Uncertain Impact of the New U.S. Nuclear Policy upon the Nuclear Nonproliferation Regime, (by Nikolai Sokov, Senior Research Associate, Center for Nonproliferation Studies, Monterey institute of International Studies)
See also Interview: Ambassador Linton Brooks on U.S. Nuclear Policy, (by Leonard S. Spector, Nonproliferation Review, Fall-Winter 2002)
Lexington Institute released a report, that studies advantages and shortcomings of directed energy weapons (such as powerful lasers and microwave bombs), as well as political implications of their use:
- U.S. Studies Using 'E-Bomb' In Iraq, But Leans Against It, (by Anne Marie Squeo, Wall Street Journal, February 20, 2003)
- Directed-Energy Weapons: Technologies, Applications and Implications, (Lexington Institute, February 2003) - a PDF file
The United States and the United Kingdom submitted a new resolution to the UN Security Council that would justify the use of military force against Iraq. A counterproposal from France, Germany and Russia calls for long inspections. The voting is expected to take place after a briefing by UN chief weapons inspector Hans Blix and International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Mohamed ElBaradei, scheduled for March 7.
- U.S. Says One Question Left: Will the U.N. Support a Certain War?, (Global Security Newswire, Tuesday, February 25, 2003)
- United States, United Kingdom to Submit New Resolution, (Global Security Newswire, Monday, February 24, 2003)
- The text of the U.S.-British-Spanish draft resolution on Iraq, February 24, 2003
- Memorandum has been prepared by France, Germany and the Russian Federation on the situation in Iraq, February 24, 2003
- Interview of Russian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Sergei Lavrov Published in the Newspaper Vremya Novostei under the Heading "Russia Sees No Grounds for Military Action in Iraq" on February 21, 2003
- Russian MFA Press Release On United Nations Security Council's Open Meeting on Iraq, 20 February , 2003
- Russia's Views On the Crisis in Iraq, (by Michael Jasinski, Center for Nonproliferation Studies, February 14, 2002)
Iran refused to sign an Additional Protocol to its safeguards agreement with IAEA that would permit the agency to conduct more intrusive inspections and environmental monitoring in Iran. During his visit to Iran IAEA director called on the uranium enrichment site, near the city of Nantanz, which is believed to be a part of country's its nuclear programme:
- They Promise Us Pie in the Sky, in Russian, (by Vladimir Skosyrev, Vremya MN, February 25, 2003)
- Tehran Rejects Enhanced Nuclear Safeguards, (Global Security Newswire, Monday, February 24, 2003)
- IAEA Visit to Iran Reveals Uranium Enrichment Facility Near Nantanz, (by Charles Digges, Bellona, February 24, 2003)
- Inspectors in Iran Examine Machines to Enrich Uranium, (by Michael R. Gordon, The New York Times, February 23, 2003)
- Iran to Provide Nuclear Design Details, Inspector Says, (by Associated Press, Sunday, February 23, 2003; Page A32)
- What Bolton Comes to Moscow For, in Russian, (by Yuri Zhigalkin, Vremya MN, February 22, 2003)
- Group Alleges New Nuclear Site in Iran, (by Glenn Kessler, The Washington Post, Thursday, February 20, 2003; Page A31)
- Detailed Assessment of the Possible Uranium Enrichment Plant at Natanz, Iran, (ISIS, February 20, 2003)
Russia reiterated its stand that solution to the "nuclear problem" of the DPRK should be settled through a direct dialogue between the US and the DPRK in a non-confrontational manner:
- Secretary Colin L. Powell Press Conference from U.S. Embassy, Tokyo, February 23, 2003
- Alexander Yakovenko, the Official Spokesman of Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Answers a Question from ITAR-TASS News Agency Regarding Consideration by UN Security Council of the "Nuclear Problem" of the DPRK, February 20, 2003
At the Russian STAR Bulletin Board: criteria of nuclear deterrence, and other topics.
February 18, 2003
Valery Yarynich, Professor of the Russian Academy of Military Sciences continues the discussion on criteria of nuclear deterrence. His new article "Feasibility of Unacceptable Event Must be Excluded" (February 17, 2003) in the Opinion section responds to the recent Prof. Emid Ashratov's comment.New draft bill on ratification of the SOR Treaty, prepared by Russian lawmakers, requires priority-driven funding of measures on preservation and strengthening of strategic nuclear forces, works on secure dismantlement of strategic offensive potentials, and on preservation of environmental cleanness of the weapons elimination and storage sites:
- Duma Ratification, - in Russian, (by Viktor Litovkin, Vremya MN, February 13, 2003)
- Statement By Alexander Yakovenko, The Official Spokesman Of Russia's Ministry Of Foreign Affairs Regarding Decision of Council of State Duma of Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation on Question of Ratification of the SOR Treaty, February 12, 2003
According to an article in Nezavisimoye Voyennoye Obozreniye, prolongation of service life of strategic ICBMs and nuclear warheads harbours the danger of environmental disasters: Aging Bacillus Eats Away Nuclear Shield and Military Aviation, - in Russian, (by Mikhail Khodarenok and Nikolai Bezborodov, Nezavisimoye Voyennoye Obozreniye, February 14, 2003)
Detailed analysis of the US administration's FY 2004 budget request for nonproliferation programs in Russia is presented in a new RANSAC report: Observations on the President's Fiscal Year 2004 Budget Request for Nonproliferation Programs in Russia and the Former Soviet Union, (by William Hoehn, Russian American Nuclear Security Advisory Council, February 11, 2003)
House Policy Committee released a new report on the US nuclear policy. Many statements of this document cause concerns of the expert community. Particularly, US intention to develop miniature nuclear weapons to be used against deep buried bunkers.
- President mulls plan to build mininukes, (by Ian Hoffman, Oakland Tribune, Saturday, February 15, 2003)
- Congress Battles Over Bush Nuclear Agenda, (by David Ruppe, Global Security Newswire, Friday, February 14, 2003)
- Differentiation and Defense: An Agenda for the Nuclear Weapons Program, House Policy Committee, Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs, U.S. House of Representatives, February 2003 (in PDF format)
- Democrats 'Disturbed' By Bush Policy On Nuclear Arms, (by Nicholas Kralev, The Washington Times, February 14, 2003, Pg. 3
- Nuclear Weapons Against Bunkers, in Russian, (by Dmitriy Permyakov, Krasnaya Zvezda, February 13, 2003)
- Nuclear option creep, (by J. Peter Scoblic, The Christian Science Monitor, 10 February , 2003)
- Don't blur line on use of nukes, (by Wade Boese, February 7, 2003)
Last Friday, UNMOVIC chairman Hans Blix and IAEA head Mohamed ElBaradei presented their reports to the UN Security council. The inspectors did not give an unambiguous answer on whether Iraq violates the UN resolution or not, however they noted that Iraq's cooperation with inspectors improves:
- No War -- For Another Month, - in Russian, (by Yelena Suponina, Vremya Novostei, February 17, 2003)
- Blix, ElBaradei Give Iraq a Mixed Review, (by By Edith M. Lederer, The Moscow Times, February 17, 2003)
- Powell Calls for U.N. to Act on Iraq and Meets Deep Resistance, (by Julia Preston, The New York Times, February 15, 2003)
- Shifting Sands at the U.N., (by Karen DeYoung and Walter Pincus, The Washington Post, Saturday, February 15, 2003; Page A01)
- U.N. Experts Say Progress Made on Inspections, but Questions Remain, (Global Security Newswire, Friday, February 14, 2003)
- Statement by Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Igor Ivanov at the United Nations Security Council Meeting (New York, February 14, 2003)
- Secretary of the State Colin L. Powell Remarks to the United Nations Security Council, New York, February 14, 2003
- The Status of Nuclear Inspections in Iraq: 14 February 2003 Update, (Statement to the United Nations Security Council by IAEA Director General Dr. Mohamed ElBaradei, New York, 14 February, 2003)
- Executive Chairman of UNMOVIC, Dr. Hans Blix Briefing of the Security Council, New York, 14 February, 2003
- U.S. DoD Secretary Rumsfeld And U.K. Secretary Hoon News Briefing, February 12, 2003
- Russian President Vladimir Putin Interview on French Television Channel TF-1, Paris, February 11, 2003
- Contested Case. Do the Facts Justify the Case for War with Iraq?, (by David Cortright, Alistair Millar, George A. Lopez, and Linda Gerber, Fourth Freedom Forum, Policy Brief F8, February 6, 2003)
Last week, the IAEA Board of Governors adopted a resolution determining that North Korea has violated its nuclear nonproliferation commitments and stipulates for sending a formal report on North Korea's noncompliance with its obligations under its safeguards agreement with IAEA to the UN Security Council. Russian MFA considers this step to be premature and counterproductive:
- Is Pyongyang A Godsend to Washington?, - in Russian, (by Vladimir Kuzar', Krasnaya Zvezda, February 18, 2003)
- A Tale of Two Crises, (by Michael R. Gordon, The New York Times, February 17, 2003)
- U.S. Planning Sanctions Against North Korea, (by James Dao, The New York Times, February 17, 2003)
- Ballistic Blackmail of Kim Jong Il, - in Russian, (by Maxim Yusin, Izvestia.ru, February 13, 2003) - includes interview with Alexander Losyukov Russian, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, English translation of the interview available here
- N. Korea Standoff Sent to U.N. Council, (By Glenn Kessler, The Washington Post, Thursday, February 13, 2003; Page A01)
- Lone Pyongyang, - in Russian, (by Vladimir Skosyrev, Vremya MN, February 13, 2003)
- Russian MFA Press Release In Relation to Adoption of IAEA Board of Governors Resolution on DPRK "Nuclear Problem", February 12, 2003
- Statement by Ambassador Grigory Berdennikov, Governor from the Russian Federation and Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the International Organizations in Vienna, in Explanation of Vote on the IAEA Board of Governors' Resolution on the DPRK (February 12, 2003)
- North Korea: IAEA Finds North Korea in “Noncompliance”, (Global Security Newswire, Wednesday, February 12, 2003)
- IAEA Board of Governors Adopts Resolution on Safeguards in North Korea, (IAEA Media Advisory 2003/48, 12 February 2003)
A North Korean diplomat of high rank stated in an interview with AFP that if US attacks North Korea, his country will be able to strike any American military target in the world. Independent experts believe that North Korean missile threat to the US has been overstated:
- Blackmail with Elements of Bluffing, in Russian, (by Nikolai Poroskov, Vremya Novostei, February 14 , 2003)
- What if War comes Tomorrow, in Russian, (by Katerina Labetskaya, Alexandr Lomanov, Vremya Novostei, February 14, 2003)
- DPRK is not Afraid of UNSC, in Russian, (by Alexei Andreyev, Nezavisimaya Gazeta, February 14, 2003)
- North Korean Missile Threat to the US Has Been Overstated, (by Dr. David Wright, Union of Concerned Scientists, February 13, 2003)
- Missile Can Reach U.S. West Coast, Intelligence Says, (Global Security Newswire, Thursday, February 13, 2003)
Iranian Ambassador to Russia believes that American accusations of Tehran in nuclear sphere are aimed against Russia as US competitor in the field: Iran is Neutral, not Indifferent over Iraq Crisis, - in Russian, (by Golyamreza Shafei, Nezavisimaya Gazeta, February 11, 2003). See also:
- Enriched Iran, - in Russian, (by Mikhail Zygar, Kommersant, February 12, 2003)
- Washington Accused Tehran in Intentions to Make Nuclear Weapon, - in Russian, (by Yelena Shesternina, Natalia Babasyan, Izvestia.ru, February 12, 2003)
- U.S. fears Iran has 'pretext' for nukes, (by Nicholas Kralev, The Washington Times, February 11, 2003)
- Uranium Mining, Reprocessing, Could Lead to Nuclear Weapons, (by David McGlinchey, Global Security Newswire, Tuesday, February 11, 2003)
Last week, US Senate Select Committee on Intelligence held hearings on existing and perspective threats to the US national security. Heads of US intelligence services testified at the hearings. CIA Director George Tenet said in particular that growing is the threat of non-state terrorism, against which nonproliferation regime becomes less effective
- CIA Director Describes ‘New World of Proliferation’, (by David Ruppe, Global Security Newswire, Wednesday, February 12, 2003)
- Tenet Offers New Theory on Proliferation Threats, (Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Wednesday, February 12, 2003)
- The Most Frightful of Modern Nightmares, in Russian, (by Sam Nunn, Izvestia.ru, February 12, 2003)
- Current and Projected Threats To the National Security of the United States, (by Carl W. Ford, Jr., Assistant Secretary for Intelligence and Research, Statement Before Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, February 11, 2003)
- Testimony of Vice Admiral Lowell E. Jacoby, USN Director, Defense Intelligence Agency to the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, February 11, 2003
- Testimony of Robert S. Mueller, III, Director Federal Bureau of Investigation to the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, February 11, 2003
- Testimony of George Tenet, CIA Director to the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, February 11, 2003
US efforts to develop a missile defense system could lead to increased tensions in the current standoff between China and Taiwan, according to a report released by the Henry L. Stimson Center
- U.S Plans Could Escalate Taiwan Tensions, Report Says, (by Mike Nartker, Global Security Newswire, Thursday, February 13, 2003)
- China and Missile Defense: Managing-U.S. PRC Strategic Relations, (Henry L. Stimson Center, February 2003)
The Russian Cabinet has approved a plan to halt production of weapons-grade plutonium by 2007: Russian Cabinet OKs Halting Plutonium, (by The Associated Press, Monday, February 10, 2003; 8:27 PM)
February 10, 2003
Center for Arms Control, Energy and Environmental Studies at MIPT continues offering a course on "Non-proliferation and Reduction of Weapons of Mass Destruction Regime and National Security" (in Russian). First lecture of the Spring term -- Missile Technology Control Regime -- will be given by Gennadi Khromov, Senior Adviser with Glavkosmos, participant to INF Treaty negotiations, on Tuesday, February 18, 2003 at 17:00 in room 239 of Novy Korpus Bldg., MIPT.Russian MFA expressed satisfaction over the US Senate Committee on International Affairs' unanimous approval the Strategic Offensive Reductions Treaty (SORT).
- Statement by Alexander Yakovenko, the Official Spokesman of Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Regarding US Senate International Affairs Committee's Approval of Strategic Offensive Reductions Treaty, February 6, 2003
- U.S.-Russia Atomic Arms Pact Wins Senate Panel's Backing, (by James Dao, The New York Times, February 6, 2003)
- Senate Committee Recommends Approval of Moscow Treaty, (by David Ruppe, Global Security Newswire, Wednesday, February 5, 2003)
- Senate Panel OKs Nuclear Arms Treaty, (by The Associated Press, Wednesday, February 5, 2003; 8:44 PM)
- Flawed Nuclear Treaty Up For Senate Review, (Arms Control Association, Press Advisory, January 31, 2003
Russian State Duma continues preparation work for ratification of the SORT treaty. The draft bill, in particular, provides for a list of conditions under which Russia may withdraw from the treaty. Among those are: US deployment of nationwide missile defense system that can threaten Russian strategic nuclear forces, build-up of strategic offensive forces by states, which are not members to SORT, in a way threatening to Russia: Lawmakers Dissatisfied with Strategic Offensive Reductions Treaty, - in Russian, Pyotr Titov, Nezavisimoye Voyennoye Obozreniye, February 7, 2003) - author is a Vice Chairman of the State Duma Defense Committee
Maj. Gen. Vladimir Dvorkin, former Head of the 4th Central Research Institute, Ministry of Defense "...At the same time when everyone is integrating related forces, we go in a directly opposite way. The US just joined already integrated military space and strategic nuclear forces with missile defenses, while we completely destroyed a similar structure wasting several hundred million Rubles on disintegration alone..." (Kremlin Confides in Blind Cynics, - in Russian, (by Vladimir Dvorkin, Nezavisimoye Voyennoye Obozreniye, February 7, 2003) - author is former Head of the 4th Central Research Institute, Ministry of Defense
Details of FY 2004 Department of Defense Budget have been released. Analysts estimate that Pentagon missile defense total will reach $10 billion:
- Pentagon Projects Budget Plateau After Initial Increase, (by David Ruppe, Global Security Newswire, Tuesday, February 4, 2003)
- FY04 Funding Request for Ballistic Missile Defense, (by Christopher Hellman, Center for Defense Information, February 3, 2003)
- Fiscal 2004 Department of Defense Budget Release, US DoD, February 3, 2003
See also our special section: US Missile Defense Funding (in Russian).
US Department of Energy is seeking $6.4 billion next year for nuclear weapons programs, a 9.1 percent increase from the previous year, which reflects administration's heightened reliance on nuclear weapons:
- Bush Budget Reflects Nuclear Weapons Ambitions, (by Bryan Bender, Global Security Newswire, Thursday, February 6, 2003)
- Making Nuclear Bombs 'Usable', (by Richard T. Cooper, Los Angeles Times, February 3, 2003)
- Department of Energy's FY 2004 Budget Request to Congress, February 3, 2003
A working group convened by the US National Academies and Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS) shortly after September 11 attacks, put forward new initiatives on further cooperation between the US and Russia in the area of nuclear security. Co-chairmen of the group, RAS vice president Nikolai P. Laverov and his American counterpart John Holdren, sent a report to the presidents of the US and Russian Academies. The report recommends high-priority actions for the US and Russian governments to consider as well as possible joint projects by our academies to further their work in the area of nuclear nonproliferation. Particularly, experts believe that Washington and Moscow should double their efforts on reducing HEU and weapon-grade plutonium stockpiles, and intensify work on dismantling Russian decommissioned nuclear submarines: Letter Report from the Co-Chairs of the Joint Committee on U.S.-Russian Cooperation on Nuclear Non-Proliferation (February 5, 2003). See also materials covering the US Congress activity in joint US-Russian Comprehensive Threat Reduction programs: Update on Activity in the 108th Congress Affecting U.S.-Former Soviet Union Cooperative Nonproliferation Programs, (by William Hoehn, Russian American Nuclear Security Advisory Council, Press Release, January 31, 2003)
February 10 is the tenth anniversary of signing of the US-Russian Megatons to Megawatts Agreement on the use of Russian HEU removed from nuclear weapons. Minatom press service released a statement saying that more than 170 metric tons of HEU are irreversibly destroyed and converted into nuclear fuel:
- 10th Anniversary of the Agreement between Government of Russian Federation and Government of the USA on the Use of Highly Enriched Uranium Removed Taken from Dismantled Warheads, in Russian, (Press Service of Russian Ministry of Atomic Energy, February 7, 2003)
- Agreement "Megatons into Megawatts" is 10 Years Old!, (Economics Strategies, N6, 2002) - an interview of the Director of the Institute of Strategic Stability Victor Mikhailov
US Secretary of State Colin Powell at UNSC US Secretary of State Colin Powell's remarks to the UNSC expectedly polarized the views. Should the inspections continue or it is the time to use force in Iraq?
- U.S. Demands Iraq Show Cooperation by This Weekend, (by Steven R. Weisman, The New York Times, February 10, 2003)
- Chief Weapons Inspectors See No Big Breakthrough, (by Ian Fisher, The New York Times, February 10, 2003)
- U.N. Inspectors Fail to Win Key Iraq Concessions, (by Rajiv Chandrasekaran, The Washington Post, Monday, February 10, 2003; Page A01)
- Blix: Let Iraq Arms Inspections Continue, (by Hamza Hendawi, The Associated Press, Monday, February 10, 2003; 1:55 AM)
- Secretary Colin L. Powell Interview on ABC's This Week With George Stephanopoulos, February 9, 2003
- Bush Supports Second U.N. Resolution, (Global Security Newswire, Friday, February 7, 2003)
- Bomb for Saddam, - in Russian, (by Valeri Yaremenko, Nezavisimoye Voyennoye Obozreniye, February 7, 2003)
- World Can Rise to This Moment, (Statement by the President George W. Bush, White House, February 6, 2003)
- Search for Atomic Bomb in Iraq, Iran and North Korea are Vain, - in Russian, (by Andrei Zlobin, Vremya Novostei, February 5, 2003) -- an interview with Alexandr Rumyantsev, Russian Minister of Atomic Energy
- Powell Lays Out U.S. Intelligence on Iraqi “Denial and Deception”, (by Bryan Bender, Global Security Newswire, Wednesday, February 5, 2003)
- Vremya (Channel One) Interview of Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Igor Ivanov on Results of UN Security Council Meeting (New York, February 5, 2003)
- Statement by Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Igor Ivanov at UN Security Council Meeting (New York, February 5, 2003)
- Powell Proves Deception, But Not Imminent Threat, (by Joseph Cirincione, Carnegie Endowment for Peace, Wednesday, February 05, 2003)
- Iraq: Failing to Disarm, Secretary Powell address to the United Nations Security Council, February 5, 2003
US congressmen criticize Bush administration for inarticulate policy towards North Korea.
- Russia: N.Korea Could Be Bigger Threat Than Iraq, (Reuters, Sunday, February 9, 2003; 10:53 AM)
- Dominoes Principle, - in Russian, (by Yevgeni Bai, Izvestia, February 8, 2003)
- Who is Blackmailing Whom? Korean Crisis: Will America Open Second Front?, - in Russian, (by Alexandr Zhebin, Vremya MN, February 7, 2003) -- author is a Senior Research Associate with the Institute for Far East Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences
- Weapons of Mass Destruction Developments on the Korean Peninsula, (Richard L. Armitage, Deputy Secretary of State Testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Washington, DC, February 4, 2003)
- Alexander Yakovenko, the Official Spokesman of Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Answers a Russian Media Question Regarding the North Korean Problem, February 4, 2003
- The Consequences of Failure in North Korea, (by Jon Wolfsthal, Carnegie Endowment for Peace, February 3, 2003)
Iranian President Mohammad Khatami announced that Iran had discovered and extracted uranium to produce nuclear energy. This is the first time an Iranian leader has acknowledged Iran's possession of uranium reserves:
- Iran Mining Uranium for Fuel, (BBC News, Sunday, 9 February, 2003, 22:39 GMT)
- Iran Says It Has Developed Ability to Fuel Nuclear Plants but Won't Seek Weapons, (by Nazila Fathi, The New York Times, February 10, 2003)
- Khatami Says Iran Mines Uranium for Nuclear Plant, (by Parisa Hafezi, Reuters, Sunday, February 9, 2003; 1:42 PM)
Russian MFA expressed satisfaction over the decision by the US administration to resume the US participation, suspended three years ago, in the joint project with Russia, Canada, Japan and the EU, which China is also joining, for the creation of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER): Alexander Yakovenko, the Official Spokesman of Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Answers a Question from ITAR-TASS News Agency Regarding US Administration Decision to Join in Implementation of International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor Project, February 7, 2003.
February 3, 2003
Discussion on the nuclear deterrence sufficiency criteria continues in the STAR Site webspace. Two alternative approaches are suggested in the Opinion section. STAR Site invites readers to discuss the issue and will gladly consider possibility to publish new materials on the subject:
- What Is Our Life? - A Game..., - in Russian, (by Valeri Yarynich, January 31, 2003). Col. Valeri Yarynich, Ret. is a Professor of Russian Academy of Military Sciences,
- On Strategic Offence - Strategic Defense Problem, - in Russian, (by Amid Ashratov, January 29, 2003). Prof. Amid Ashratov participated in START I negotiations
Colonel-General Nikolay Solovtsov, Commander of Strategic Rocket Forces The views of Russian Military leadership on the problems of command and control system of strategic nuclear forces and conventional forces, role of sea-based strategic forces, and prospects of Strategic Rocket Forces are represented in the following publications::
- Priority of the Command and Control System, - in Russian, (by Alexandr Rukshin, Nezavisimoye Voyennoye Obozreniye, January 31, 2003) - Col. Gen. Alexandr Rukshin is the First Deputy of the Head of General Staff - Head of the Main Operational Directorate
- Threats from Sea and Ocean Sectors Rise, - in Russian, (by Viktor Kravchenko, Nezavisimoye Voyennoye Obozreniye, January 31, 2003) - Adm. Viktor Kravchenko is the Head of the Naval Main Staff
- Our "Satan" Will Stay On Duty Longer, - in Russian, (by Oleg Falichev, Krasnaya Zvezda, January 29, 2003) - interview with Commander of Strategic Rocket Forces Colonel-General Nikolay Solovtsov
What conclusions for the future efforts on the control of nuclear arms and their delivery vehicles can be drawn from the Russian-US experience? Can the experience of bi-lateral control of nuclear delivery means under START and INF treaties be used in a multi-lateral process? What verification systems and monitoring technologies are available and which of them can be used in multi-lateral format? Dr. Eugene Miasnikov makes an attempt to answer these questions in his article U.S.-Russian Bilateral Arms Control Regime: What Measures Can Be Utilized in a Future Verification System of Multilateral Nuclear Reductions?, (by Eugene Miasnikov, Remarks at the Conference "International Arms Control, Transparency and Verification in a European-Russian Framework of Cooperative Security," Berlin, January 24-27, 2003); also available is PDF version of the article.
General Accounting Office believes, that the contract to build the key weapon in the antimissile system was awarded not on technical merit but by default as a result of industrial spying:
- Interceptor Contract Won Without Real Competition, GAO Finds, (by Jay Newton-Small, Global Security Newswire, Friday, January 31, 2003)
- Antimissile Contract Won on Technicality, GAO Report Finds, (by Bradley Graham, The Washington Post, Thursday, January 30, 2003; Page A21)
- GAO Letter to U.S. Representative Howard Berman (D-Calif.) on Events Related to Contractor Selection for the Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle, January 27, 2003
UK House of Commons Select Committee on Defense supported a Bush administration request to upgrade a US early warning radar on British soil for use in the US national missile defense system:
- Parliamentary Committee Backs U.S. Radar Upgrade, (by David Ruppe, Global Security Newswire, Wednesday, January 29, 2003)
- UK House of Commons Select Committee on Defense Report on Missile Defense, January 28, 2003
US Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham said that president George W. Bush will ask Congress for a 30 percent budget increase for the Energy Department’s nuclear nonproliferation programs around the world. However, non-governmental experts of Russian-American Nuclear Security Advisory Council said that the major increase is to be spent in the United States.
- Open arms, (by Richard Norton-Taylor, The Guardian, Friday January 31, 2003)
- Energy Department to Seek 30 Percent Increase in Nonproliferation Funds, (by Bryan Bender, Global Security Newswire, Thursday, January 30, 2003)
- Bush Nonproliferation Request Increase Mainly for Domestic Activities, (Global Security Newswire, Thursday, January 30, 2003)
- Bush to Seek Funds for Fighting 'Dirty Bombs', (by Joby Warrick, The Washington Post, Thursday, January 30, 2003; Page A11)
- U.S.-Russian Experts Applaud DOE Nuclear Nonproliferation Budget Increase, but Question Priorities and Cuts, (Russian American Nuclear Security Advisory Council, Press Release, January 29, 2003)
- Preview of the U.S. Department of Energy's Proposed Fiscal Year 2004 Nonproliferation Budget Request, (by William Hoehn, Russian American Nuclear Security Advisory Council, January 29, 2003)
- Remarks By Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham Center for Strategic and International Studies, January 29, 2003, Washington, D.C.
Among the materials of the recent issue of Carnegie Moscow Center's Yadernoye Rasprostraneniye (April-June, 2002), are (all in Russian):
- Missile proliferation and Safety in Space, by Vitaly Lukyantsev
- Nuclear Terrorism and Warhead Control in Russia, by Tom Z. Collina and Jon B. Wolfsthal (original article in English)
- Radiological Weapon ("Dirty Bombs") -- New Threat or Terrorist Bluff? by Pavel Felgenhauer
In his State of the Union address last week president Bush stressed his determination to use force against Iraq. This Wednesday US Secretary of State Colin Powell is to present evidence of Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction programs to the UN Security Council.
- Saddam and Middle "Nuclear" East, - in Russian, (by Valeri Yaremenko, Vremya MN, January 31, 2003)
- U.S. May Give the U.N. Data on Iraqi Labs, (by James Dao, The New York Times, January 31, 2003)
- US says aluminium tubes are evidence of Iraq's nuclear goal, (by Roland Watson and Elaine Monaghan, The Times, January 31, 2003)
- Iraq and War Against Terrorism, - in Russian, (by Paul Wolfowitz, US Deputy Secretary of Defense), Izvestia.ru, January 29, 2003)
- Powell to Present Evidence to U.N. Security Council, (Global Security Newswire, Wednesday, January 29, 2003)
Experts discuss the possibility of the US' using nuclear weapon in Iraq. According to the Washington Times, president Bush signed a classified document that specifically allows for the use of nuclear weapons in response to biological or chemical attacks.
- Deputy: U.S. May Use Nuclear Arms on Iraq, (The Associated Press, The Moscow Times, Monday, February 03, 2003)
- Bush approves nuclear response, (by Nicholas Kralev, The Washington Times, January 31, 2003)
- Nuclear Winter is Being Prepared for Iraq, - in Russian, (by Sergey Sokut, Nezavisimaya Gazeta, January 30, 2003)
- Nuclear Threat Might Deter Iraq But Distance Allies, Experts Say, (by David McGlinchey, Global Security Newswire, Wednesday, January 29, 2003)
American spy satellites have detected activity at the nuclear storage facility at Yongbyon (North Korea), where spent nuclear fuel rods are stored. Reportedly, when processed, enough plutonium could be extracted from the rods to make four or five nuclear weapons.
- Americans Looked into the Active Zone, - in Russian, (by Andrei Ivanov, Kommersant, February 3, 2003)
- Who Has the Hot Rods? (by Maureen Dowd, The New York Times, February 2, 2003)
- N. Korea's Nuclear Plans Were No Secret, (by Walter Pincus, The Washington Post, Saturday, February 1, 2003; Page A01)
- U.S. Believes N. Korea Rapidly Seeking Stockpile, (by Glenn Kessler, The Washington Post, Saturday, February 1, 2003; Page A01)
- U.S. Sees Activity at N. Korea Nuke Plant, (by Pauline Jelinek, Associated Press, Saturday, February 1, 2003; 3:28 AM)
- Satellites Said to See Activity at North Korean Nuclear Site, (by David E. Sanger, Eric Schmitt, The New York Times, January 31, 2003)
Viktor Kozlov, head of Atomstroiexport, said that he was confident that nuclear energy cooperation with Iran will be continued: Russia Seeks Iran Nuclear Deals, (by Clara Ferreira-Marques, The Moscow Times, Monday, February 03, 2003)
American non-governmental experts believe that US nuclear power plants must upgrade their spent fuel storage facilities to prevent terrorists from releasing large amounts of radioactive materials: Increased Security Needed for Spent Nuclear Fuel, Experts Say, (by Mike Nartker, Global Security Newswire, Friday, January 31, 2003)
British officials have presented evidence which they claim shows that al-Qaeda had been trying to assemble radioactive material to build a so-called dirty bomb:
- British Ministry of Foreign Affaris: "al-Qaeda" started work on nuclear bomb in 1990-s, (Gazeta.ru, 31 January , 2003)
- Al-Qaeda 'was making dirty bomb', (by Frank Gardner, BBC, Friday, 31 January, 2003, 00:13 GMT)
They call Prof. Anatoli Matuschenko "stalker" because he was in the very center of an atomic explosion: Over Nuclear Abyss, in Russian, (by Vladimir Gubarev, Literaturnaya Gazeta, January 29, 2003)
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