Ultimately this treaty was signed by six republics. However, this security alliance remains open to membership by all the partner states of the commonwealth. In order to benefit from other countries' experience in combining their forces to ensure mutual security, Russian parliamentarians and military officials regularly visit NATO facilities in Brussels and elsewhere. On several occasions, the Russian government has declared itself ready to participate in the construction of a global security system. It would seem appropriate that at this stage such discussions be conducted by highly qualified specialists such as political scientists, engineers, and military experts.
Nuclear issues occupy a special place in Russian military policy.
The Russian Federation, as the legal successor to the USSR, has decided to pursue a most vigorous policy of nuclear disarmament. I had occasion to be present at the meeting between President Yel'tsin and President Bush at Camp David during which cuts in nuclear weapons were among the topics discussed. I was particularly impressed by the determination of both presidents to ensure progress toward a more stable and secure world, including a rapid rate of nuclear disarmament. There can be no question of the strength of the political will with which the Russian government is approaching this issue. The only difficulties are of an economic and financial nature.