#13 - RW 275
Russia proposes global ban on space arms

NEW YORK. Sept 25 (Interfax) - Russia on Thursday proposed a global ban on the deployment of weapons in outer space.

"We are for preparing a comprehensive agreement on the nondeployment of weapons in outer space and invite countries with space potential to join the Russian initiative," President Vladimir Putin told the 58th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

He also urged the session to issue a resolution to provide "concrete further steps in the construction of a global system of counteracting new threats under the UN aegis."

The proliferation of mass destruction weapons and their means of delivery is "a serious modern challenge," he said. "The greatest danger is that terrorists may get hold of such weapons."

The threat can be eliminated by "further universalizing the current regimes of nonproliferation, by strengthening international instruments of verification and by introducing basic technologies in nuclear production and the nuclear energy industry," Putin said.

"In general, states should dispose of excessive arsenals and military programs which could undermine the military political balance and provoke an arms race."

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