#2 - RW 267
BBC Monitoring
Russia's nuclear shield in good hands, Putin says
Source: RTR Russia TV, Moscow, in Russian 1300 gmt 31 Jul 03

[Presenter] A meeting of Russian President Vladimir Putin with scientists of the Federal Nuclear Centre has just finished in Sarov. They exchanged opinions on the problems of the industry and the operation of the centre. During his meeting with the scientists Putin said that Russia intends to continue to adhere to its commitments not to conduct nuclear tests. At the same time, Russia's nuclear industry will remain an integral and indivisible complex.

[Putin] Russia has agreed to several very serious international legal restrictions and has not conducted nuclear tests for many years. We are determined to develop everything we need and to provide support for the fundamental and applied sciences, but we also proceed from the assumption that we shall continue to adhere to our commitments only on the condition of observance of certain mandatory principles, including the fundamental condition that the other nuclear powers have the same attitude to their own commitments, too. I want to stress it specifically.

[Presenter] Putin said so at the meeting with nuclear scientists of Sarov devoted to the operating of the Federal Nuclear Centre and of the nuclear industry. The meeting was focused on specific problems, but was lively and informal as well. Speaking about the nuclear centre, Putin said that talent and knowledge of several generations of outstanding scientists and engineers is concentrated here. Putin believes that work aimed at ensuring the reliability and stability of weapon systems is important for the safe development of the state. Sharing his impressions after visiting the Federal Nuclear Centre, Putin said that the nuclear shield, a basic component of the Russian statehood, is in good hands.

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