U.S. Grasp Of Russia Nukes May Weaken, Official Warns

The United States should not delay in ratifying the new nuclear arms treaty with Russia, the chief U.S. negotiator has said.

Assistant Secretary of State Rose Gottemoeller argues that the longer it takes to ratify the new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) with Moscow, the less Washington will understand about Russia's nuclear arsenal.

Inspections of bases inside Russia stopped when the old START treaty expired in December.

President Barack Obama wants the new START treaty ratified by the Senate this year.

But some Republican support will be needed, and so far little has emerged.

Reuters