Medvedev cites Russian, US role in nuclear arms cuts
By Sabina Idayatova
Russia and the U.S. have a special responsibility while taking steps to reduce nuclear weapons, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev was quoted by RIA Novosti news agency as saying.
Addressing a plenary session of the "Asia and Europe" summit on Tuesday, Medvedev touched upon a number of acute international problems of recent years and stressed the importance of dialogue and attempts to seek political and diplomatic settlement of all disputes.
"But these steps bring us to the political brink where efforts of not only Russia and the U.S., but all states that possess nuclear potential are required. Herewith, it should be taken into account that there are countries possessing nuclear programs which refuse to join the NPT," Medvedyev said, highliting concerns over the Iranian nuclear program and the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula.
Medvedev stressed the importance of continuation of the dialogue regarding Iran's nuclear program.
"Russia proceeds from the assumption that any state, including Iran, has the right to develop a civilian nuclear program, but the provision of international control over this activity is needed," he added.
The U.S., other Western countries and Israel accuse Iran of developing nuclear weapons under the guise of a peaceful nuclear program. Tehran denies the charges, saying its nuclear program is aimed solely to meet the country's electricity needs.
Since 2003, "The Six", which includes representatives from Russia, the UK, China, USA, France and Germany, wants Iran to suspend uranium enrichment, which can be a threat to the nuclear non-proliferation.
The Russian prime minister said further that there is no reasonable alternative to a political and diplomatic settlement of the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula, and an early resumption of six-party talks is necessary.
Talking about the non-proliferation issue, Medvedev said that Russia proceeds from the need to support the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
"An indispensable factor should be consideration of all factors of international security that affect strategic stability," he added.
Touching upon the Syrian conflict, Medvedev said, "The greatest concern is the situation in Syria. The Russian Federation believes that the future of this country must be determined only by the Syrian people, not any international organization or other forces. The question of how to help them in this issue is the great task of today."
The unrest that erupted in Syria in March 2011 soon escalated into armed clashes between the opposition and government forces. Syrian officials say that anti-government forces in the country are supported from the outside. According to various sources, up to 30,000 people have become victims of the violence to date.
The ninth Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) takes place in Vientiane, Laos, on November 5-6 under the theme "Friends for Peace, Partners for Prosperity".
During the two days of talks, leaders are discussing economic, financial, global and regional issues including fight against terrorism and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, energy security, water resources management and food security as well as social and cultural cooperation, promotion of human rights, education, cultural cooperation and migration.
Heads of state and governments of the 27 EU member states and the 21 Asian partners also attended.The EU is represented by President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy and President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso.