Russia Rejects Nuclear Criticism (From U.S.)

By MARA D. BELLABY
Associated Press Writer

October 7, 2004, 10:13 AM EDT

MOSCOW -- Russia shrugged off U.S. criticism over nuclear issues Thursday, saying it had made progress in reducing its tactical weapons in Europe and would continue cooperating with Iran's program despite concerns Tehran might be trying to develop atomic weapons.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Yakovenko said a 1991-1992 initiative to reduce tactical nuclear weapons and implement other disarmament measures was being "completely fulfilled."

"All of these weapons, unlike the situation in the United States, are exclusively located on our national territory," Yakovenko said in a statement. "They are located under strict control ... there is no reason to be concerned."

His remarks came a day after Stephen G. Rademaker, an assistant U.S. secretary of state for arms control, reportedly said the United States was concerned that Russia had not entirely fulfilled its post-Soviet commitment to reduce the battlefield weapons that would be used in a potential European war.

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