- PLESETSK - Arkhangelsk Region
(RIA) - There is no doubt Russia will be able to sustain its nuclear parity
with the United States, Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov assured reporters
at a press conference in Plesetsk.
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- The minister went on to explain that he was talking about
the quality of nuclear missiles and warheads held by the two countries
rather than the armaments' quantity.
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- The Strategic Missile Forces have always been a major
component in Russia's nuclear triad, Mr. Ivanov said, expressing confidence
that it would remain that way.
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- In 2005, the Russian Armed Forces are going to acquire
a new type of long-range cruise missiles, both nuclear and non-nuclear,
the minister announced. The missiles Russia intends to purchase starting
next year have been successfully tested in 2004, he added.
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- Next year, Russia is also planning test launches of its
sea ballistic missile Bulava. "We have completed the testing of the
intercontinental ballistic missile Topol M this year, and in 2005 we begin
test launches of the Bulava sea missile," Mr. Ivanov revealed.
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- According to the minister, a new submarine, Borei 955,
is now being developed for the purpose in Severodvinsk, the Arkhangelsk
region. Bulava is one of the most advanced missiles today, and is compatible
in many respects with the Topol M intercontinental ballistic missile, said
Mr. Ivanov. "This will make the manufacturing of equipment for Bulava
cheaper," he said.
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- The Russian government's armaments program through the
year 2010 is likely to be adopted sometime next week, most probably on
December 30, the Defense Minister announced. This program envisages the
purchase of fifth-generation Topol M intercontinental ballistic missiles
in a mobile version.
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- The Russian army begins purchasing fifth-generation Topol
M missiles on January 1, 2005, Mr. Ivanov said. According to him, these
missiles are far more sophisticated than any of their older counterparts.
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- The minister proceeded to comment on yesterday's extradition
of the two Russian intelligence agents sentenced to life imprisonment by
a court in Qatar on charges of murdering Zelimkhan Yandarbiyev, a leader
of Chechen separatists. He said the extradition had become possible thanks
to Russia's government, committed to protecting Russian nationals abroad.
According to the minister, Qatar agreed to extradite the two men to Russia
after "serious negotiations at the interstate level."
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- A spokesperson for the Qatari Foreign Ministry said the
extradition was done in keeping with a bilateral Russia-Qatar agreement
and in line with related laws. The Russians will serve the rest of their
prison terms at home, he said. The Russian Foreign Ministry had repeatedly
insisted on the men's innocence and demanded that they be extradited to
their home country.
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