Disarmament must be a priority

The failure of Russia and the United States to agree on a new nuclear arms control deal does not present an immediate threat to world security, but it does undermine international efforts to prevent the spread of these weapons of mass destruction.

At a time when there is growing concern about the international proliferation of nuclear weapons and their safe care, the failure of the big powers to reach a new agreement to limit and reduce their arsenals sends the wrong message to the world. If Russia and the US, in particular, want to lead the global disarmament process, then they must lead by example, especially since they have enough firepower to destroy the world several times over.

The failure of the two sides to sign a new agreement will not change the status quo as the present deal will remain in effect until a new treaty is signed. US officials have said that negotiators were planning to have a draft agreement in place by the end of December.

The mere existence of the nuclear arsenals of the US and Russia continues to be a threat to the safety of the world. Their eventual elimination must be a priority for both governments.