US Assistant State Secretary Phil Gordon informs Foreign Minister Riekstins about new US Nuclear Posture Review [07 Apr 2010]

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The U.S. Assistant State Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs, Phil Gordon, in a telephone conversation with the Foreign Minister of Latvia, Maris Riekstins, spoke about the objectives and principles of the new U.S. Nuclear Posture Review (NPR).

The Nuclear Posture Review (NPR) released by the U.S. administration on 6 April, is a road map for the implementation of one of President Obama's priorities for his term in office, namely, to reduce nuclear thereat to the U.S., to its allies, and the international community as a whole. This report is the first non-classified review on nuclear policy.

Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins and the U.S. Assistant State Secretary Phil Gordon discussed NATO nuclear policy and U.S. nuclear capability in Europe. Mr Gordon emphasized that any changes in NATO's nuclear policy may be undertaken only following an in-depth study within the Alliance and by a unanimous decision of all its member countries.

During the conversation, the Latvian Foreign Minister emphasized that the U.S. NPR is vital step towards promoting international peace and security, and welcomed such an open and transparent U.S. nuclear policy as a model to other countries. Minister Riekstins also expressed satisfaction at the U.S. outreach initiative regarding the NPR, as well as the aim by the U.S. Administration to implement nuclear policy in co-operation with NATO allies.

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