Russia to report on non-proliferation at G8 summit

MUNICH, February 4. At the G8 summit, Russia will present a report on the situation with non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, said Russian Deputy Prime Minister, Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov in Munich today.

"We are preparing an open report for the forthcoming G8 summit explaining our assessment of the situation with non-proliferation, including in individual countries and regions, as well as Russia's approaches to solving key international problems in the sphere," he said. "We believe that in compliance with international agreements no exceptions should be made for individual participants. International regimes of export control must not disguise unscrupulous competition and ousting of rivals from arms markets."

"As chairman of Russia's export control commission, I can say that recently we have taken some serious steps in the sphere. For example, the Russian President endorsed the Essentials of the state non-proliferation policy. The Comprehensive Non-proliferation Program until 2010 is being carried out, which defines the key areas for state structures to counteract domestic and foreign threats in the sphere. We have prepared amendments to legislation seeking to use export control more efficiently to solve non-proliferation problems, including in the context of fighting international terrorism," the Russian minister said.