Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins: US Nuclear Posture Review is a vital step in promoting international peace and security [07 Apr 2010]

Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins welcomes the Nuclear Posture Review (NPR) released by the U.S. administration on 6 April. This report on the U.S. nuclear policy is a vital step in promoting international peace and security.

The objectives and policy principles laid down in the NPR are important both in the context of nuclear disarmament and the pledge made by U.S. towards its allies. "I believe that the new policy is yet another consistent step taken by the U.S. in the direction of arms reduction that for its part will significantly contribute to solving the issues of nuclear non-proliferation," Mr Riekstins indicates.

The Foreign Minister also notes positively the U.S. commitment voiced in the NPR to its current security obligations towards its allies and partners. "The U.S. new nuclear policy is a substantial proof to the United States' close ties with the European security. This is in keeping with Latvia's security interests. Latvia, correspondingly, within NATO framework will remain engaged in a discussion on strengthening the nuclear deterrence policy," the Latvian Foreign Minister emphasizes.

Minister Riekstins also expresses support to open, clear and transparent U.S. nuclear policy which serves as a model to other countries. "It is in Latvia's interests to see positive further steps in the direction of transparency and the reduction of tactical nuclear weapons in the territories bordering our country," Mr Riekstins notes in addition.

Further information on the U.S. Nuclear Posture Review is available on the U.S. Department of State website at www.state.gov and the U.S. Department of Defense website at www.defense.gov. 

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