New treaty first in two decades, signals thaw in key relationship

PRAGUE - Seeking to end years of rancor, US President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Thursday signed the biggest nuclear arms pact in a generation and envisioned a day when they can compromise on the divisive issue of missile defense.

US President Barack Obama and his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev sign the newly completed "New START" treaty reducing long-range nuclear weapons at the Prague Castle in Prague, Czech Republic, on Thursday. [Agencies]

The new treaty, the first of its kind in two decades and nearly a year in the making, signaled a bold new opening in relations between the former Cold War foes. Both leaders hoped for more progress on economic matters and potentially even deeper cuts in their robust nuclear arsenals, while the Russian president still warned of potential pitfalls ahead.

Obama and Medvedev reaffirmed their commitment to considering new sanctions against Iran if the Islamic republic continues to refuse to suspend uranium enrichment and start talks on its nuclear program.

Medvedev said it's regrettable that Iran has not responded to many constructive proposals the international community has offered, and it's possible the United Nations Security Council will have to take up the issue. And Obama said the US will not tolerate any actions by Iran that risk an arms race in the Middle East or threaten the credibility of the international community.

They spoke after sitting side-by-side in an elegant hall in the Czech Republic capital city, signing the nuclear arms deal that awaits ratification by the Russian legislature and the US Senate. The White House lobbying effort on ratification is under way.

The upbeat US president said he was confident that Democrats and Republicans would ratify the treaty in the Senate, where 67 votes will be required.

"Today is an important milestone for nuclear security and nonproliferation, and for US-Russia relations," Obama said. Medvedev hailed the signing as a historic event that would launch a new chapter of cooperation between the countries.

Inside the hall, the anticipated moment came as the two presidents picked up their pens, glanced at each other and grinned as they signed several documents, with aides transferring the papers back and forth so all would have both signatures. When it was done, the leaders seemed momentarily at a loss, with Medvedev flashing a smile and a shrug before they stood to shake hands.

Associated Press