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Russian Presidential Aide Warns of New Nuclear Proliferation
Former Russian Defense Minister Igor Sergeyev warned Tuesday that several nations could develop nuclear weapons in the next decade and suggested that stricter arms controls are needed, a news report said.
"About 12 types of ballistic missiles capable of reaching Russian territory are in the development, manufacture or deployment stage in threshold countries," Sergeyev, now an aide to Russian President Putin, was quoted by the Interfax news agency as saying. "This means that the security of Russia will be more vulnerable than, for example, that of the U.S."
He did not name any countries, but said several could become nuclear states by 2010-2015.
Sergeyev visited the United States last week and met with top American officials to press Russia's opposition to U.S. proposals for a national missile defense. The shield would require amending or abandoning the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, which bans nationwide defenses on the principle that countries won't launch nuclear attacks if they face certain retaliation.
Russia warns that the U.S. move would prompt a new arms race and render its own arsenal ineffective. Washington insists the system would be aimed at smaller potential nuclear states such as North Korea and Iraq.
Sergeyev, a former head of Russia's strategic missile force, suggested stronger measures are needed to prevent nuclear proliferation.
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