U.S., Russia to tackle non-proliferation

MOSCOW, July 6 (UPI) -- The United States and Russia Monday confirmed their commitment to preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons and stopping acts of nuclear terrorism.

"While we reconfirm that security at nuclear facilities in the United States and Russia meets current requirements, we stress that nuclear security requirements need continuous upgrading," U.S. President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said in a joint statement. "We will continue cooperating on effective export controls that make it possible to prevent nuclear materials, equipment and technologies from falling into the hands of actors unauthorized by the state as well as prevent their use in any manner contrary to obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty."

The two leaders said they intend to broaden long-term cooperation to increase the level of off security at nuclear facilities globally.

"We also reaffirm our commitment to dispose of existing stockpiles of weapon-grade materials that are surplus to defense needs consistent with our obligations," under the non-proliferation agreement, the joint statement said.

The statement also recognized "the important role of safeguards in promoting confidence in the peaceful use of nuclear energy."

"We share a common vision of the growth of clean, safe, secure and affordable nuclear energy for peaceful purposes," Obama and Medvedev said in the statement.