Rice in Russia to Discuss Nuclear Issues

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is in Moscow today for discussions on issues including securing former Soviet nuclear materials and the nuclear standoffs with Iran and North Korea, the New York Sun reported today (see GSN, April 6).

Russian officials expect Rice to press for more access for U.S. inspectors to Russian nuclear sites, according to one source.

“The Americans want to have a look at those storage facilities, to assess the danger of nuclear materials being sold illegally,” said the source.

The Bush administration has made efforts to safeguard Russia’s nuclear stockpile a greater priority in the new presidential term, according to Carnegie Moscow Center Director Andrew Kuchins.

While modest progress on the issue can be expected, no “headline-grabbing” announcements are anticipated, he said.

Rice is also expected to discuss Iran and North Korea in meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and other officials, the Sun reported (Michael Mainville, New York Sun, April 19).

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