Russia promotes idea of Middle East WMD-free zone

Russia has not ruled out putting forward additional initiatives aimed at establishing a zone free of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in the Middle East.

In an interview with Izvestia, Russia’s Permanent Representative to international organisations in Vienna, Mikhail Ulyanov, said the proposal remains an active topic on the international agenda.

“The idea of creating a WMD-free zone will remain on the international agenda until it is fully implemented. It cannot be ruled out that, as necessary, Russia will put forward new initiatives on this issue,” Ulyanov said.

He noted that a key obstacle to advancing the initiative remains Israel’s position, adding that it has not shown readiness to join the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

“In order to move towards the creation of a WMD-free zone, readiness is required from Israel. At present, such readiness is not visible,” the diplomat said.

By Vugar Khalilov