Obama calls on Russia to help reduce nuclear threat
Barack Obama and Dmitry Medvedev yesterday
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Tuesday, 07, Jul 2009 05:01
Barack Obama has urged Russia to work closer with the United States in attempts to prevent North Korea and Iran developed nuclear arsenals.
During a speech to Russian students in Moscow today, Mr Obama said neither the US nor Russia would benefit from any form of arms race in the regions.
"That is why we should be united in opposing North Korea's efforts to become a nuclear power, and preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon," he said.
The US president also offered Moscow an apparent compromise with regard to the controversial plans for a missile defence shield in Eastern Europe.
"I have made it clear that this system is directed at preventing a potential attack from Iran, and has nothing to do with Russia," he said.
"I want us to work together on a missile defence architecture that makes us all safer. But if the threat from Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs is eliminated, the driving force for missile defence in Europe will be eliminated. That is in our mutual interest."
Mr Obama told graduates at Moscow's New Economic School, the US also wanted a "strong, peaceful and prosperous" Russia.
Earlier, he met with Russia's prime minister Vladimir Putin, who many analysts believe still has huge influence over Russian affairs.
Mr Putin declared he hoped Mr Obama's appointment to office would bring about an improvement in relations between their two countries compared to difficulties witnessed during George Bush's eight years as US president.