Ban welcomes US ratification of nuclear arms reduction treaty signed with Russia

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed today’s vote by the United States Senate to support the ratification of the nuclear arms reduction treaty signed earlier this year by the leaders of Russia and the US.

“This sends a firm and clear message in support of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation,” a statement issued by Mr. Ban’s spokesperson said of the action taken by the US on the new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (known as the New START Treaty).

US President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed the treaty in April, pledging to slash their nuclear arsenals by a third.

Mr. Ban said he hopes the two countries will build on the momentum of today’s action and continue to engage in follow-on measures to achieve deeper reductions in their nuclear arsenals.

“He reaffirms his full commitment to working toward achieving nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation,” the statement added.