Expansion of nuclear club unacceptable – Medvedev

The importance of the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons was among the issues highlighted by Russian president Dmitry Medvedev, speaking at an investment forum in St. Petersburg.

President Medvedev has once again confirmed Moscow’s position on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, saying that the spreading of the nuclear potential is unacceptable.

Dmitry Medvedev intends to discuss this issue with his American counterpart, Barack Obama, at their forthcoming talks in Moscow in early July.

Recent underground nuclear tests performed by North Korea, in defiance of all previous agreements, have been largely criticized by major international players, including Russia.

In his speech at the investment forum, Medvedev reminded the audience that work on the new frames and contents of the START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) agreement is currently in progress.

“What is happening now is a good impetus,” he said. “I expect President Obama to visit us after some time and I hope to discuss this problem with him.”

“The issue of non-expansion of the nuclear club is of great importance for all of us, since the uncontrolled spreading of nuclear weapons is a certain threat to all humankind,” President Dmitry Medvedev said.

Russia-US talks over a new deal to cut their atomic arsenals ended recently, and were announced to have been a success. Moscow, however, says there will be little progress unless Washington reconsiders its plans for missile defense in Europe.