The USA was supporting the treaty the way it is now. If America has shifted its official stance on the NPT, Moscow knows nothing about it, points out the commentary. "On the contrary, as our permanent contacts with US spokesmen show, Washington is determined to dynamically work, together with Moscow, to buttress the treaty and ensure success of another conference analyzing its force, which will gather in New York City, May next.
"As signatory to the NPT and one of its depositories, Russia proceeds from regarding the treaty as a time-tested instrument, which has become one of the reliable bases of the international security system," the Foreign Ministry says with emphasis.
As Russia sees it, the thirty-five years during which the treaty has been active provide irrefutable proof of its efficiency, with balanced-out pledges of nuclear nonproliferation, disarmament and civil-oriented use of nuclear energy. "The NPT remains a crucial means of deterring the danger of nuclear weapons proliferation. That is our firm conviction."
Next May's reviewing conference will offer detailed analyses of all involved aspects of NPT action, points out the ministry. In these expectations, Moscow proceeds from an assurance that "the conference will confirm the treaty viability, and all signatories' dedication to it. The conferees will blueprint practical steps for the future to enhance the effect of this essential instrument, and give it a universal scope."
