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Iran and Kissinger

Henry Kissinger has just delivered another important speech, this week at the Munich conference. It contains a number of important challenges to anyone involved in the nuclear debate. One he rightly focuses on is Iran as a major puzzle within the necessary moves towards zero:

Zero: Creating the conditions for abolishing nuclear weapons

David Miliband, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, gave a speech yesterday at IISS, London, for the presentation of a governmental survey on the conditions for abolishing nuclear weapons. Overall, it was not a groundbreaking speech. However, it is worthwhile noting that the Secretary of State stressed two main points:

US General says UK to get rid of Trident

The statement from Gen Jack Sheehan that the UK government is about to give up its nuclear deterrent took some by surprise over here in London when it was broadcast as part of Gordon Corera's fascinating report on BBC's prime-time World Tonight radio programme. No one has seriously suggested this likelihood beyond some vague hope, not anytime in the very near future at any rate. There is too much political baggage here for the Labour Party for logical consideration. What would a US General know about UK government intentions?

German statesmen, US policy and opinion shapers declare support for world without nuclear weapons

During the past week, four prominent German statesmen, the new Chair of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, a Secretary-designate for the US Department of Energy, and a former lead researcher from one of the US national labs have all made strong public statements in support of the eventual goal of a world without nuclear weapons.

Iran update: number 131

Summary

  • United States consults Arab representatives on Iran's nuclear program
  • Condoleezza Rice asserts that U.S.-backed sanctions are having an effect
  • Iran tests new missile during naval exercises in Sea of Oman
  • Uncertainty over delivery of S-300 air defense system to Iran
  • President-elect Barack Obama announces his diplomatic approach to Iran
  • Iran's government does not expect significant policy changes from Washington
  • The United States may directly back Israel with a nuclear guarantee

 

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Sir Jeremy Greenstock, GCMG British diplomat

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Baron Rees of Ludlow Astronomer Royal

“BASIC makes a vital contribution to sustaining recognition that nearly 35 years after the end of the Cold War nuclear weapons continue to put at risk the future of humankind. BASIC is especially to be commended for doing this by fostering dialogue and understanding.”

Peter Jenkins CMG UK Ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency 2001-06

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Baron Browne of Ladyton Vice Chairman, Nuclear Threat Initiative and former UK Secretary of State for Defence

``For more than three decades, BASIC has challenged conventional thinking on national security matters, and inspired new ways of addressing and solving old problems. I expect it to continue to play this vital role for decades to come.``

Andreas Persbo Director, Open Nuclear Network
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