US delay of nuclear arms reduction treaty risks Russia ties

Republican objections to the new US-Russia START nuclear arms reduction treaty could thrust the two countries into a dangerous new era of uncertainty, a senior US official said on Monday.

Under Secretary of State Ellen Tauscher, who led the US side negotiating the new START deal, said it was important that the Senate ratify the new treaty next month or it may lose the chance to engage with Russia on a range of arms control efforts. Republicans have voiced concerns over several provisions of the treaty and it is unclear whether they will permit ratification during a Congress session that begins on November 15. (Reuters)