Obama vows to pursue nuclear cuts with Russia_美文

Obama vows to pursue nuclear cuts with Russia

Obama said the United States will continue to seek discussions with Russia on reducing not only strategic nuclear warheads, but also tactical weapons and warheads in reserve.

Regarding nuclear security, Obama said that the international community has made it harder than ever for terrorists to acquire nuclear materials, but much is still being stored without adequate protection.

For the upcoming Nuclear Security Summit, Obama expected that more tangible and concrete commitments to secure or completely remove nuclear materials will be made by participants.

As for the peaceful use of nuclear power, Obama said, "with rising oil prices and a warming climate, nuclear energy will only become more important. Yet the process of producing nuclear energy also makes it possible for terrorists to reach nuclear weapons. Therefore, improving nuclear security is crucial for the safe use of nuclear energy."

Obama voiced confidence the United States and Russia, which reached a landmark arms-control treaty in2010, "can continue to make progress and reduce our nuclear stockpiles".

But another arms accord with Moscow will be a tough sell to US conservatives who say Obama has not moved fast enough to modernize the US strategic arsenal, a pledge he made in return for Republican votes that helped ratify the START treaty.