July 08, 2008
Russian lawmakers OK US weapons dismantling deal
Russian lawmakers approved a deal to allow United States to provide financial aid to assist in dismantling its nuclear, chemical, and other weapons. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Kislyak said the U.S. aid under that agreement has totaled more than $2 billion and Russia expects to receive another $1 billion through 2013 to help dismantle its aging arsenals.The 1992 agreement was signed at a time when the cash-strapped Russian government desperately needed foreign aid to safely store and dispose of huge Soviet-era arsenals of nuclear and chemical weapons.
