Regarding the renewed interest in the Arctic. Russia has returned to the Arctic for good and China has just set up their first scientific research station in the Arctic area maybe in part for gas hydrate research. #msg-3760127
But it now looks like both Russia and China are also probably monitoring the U.S. future missile defense system in north-western Greenland among other things. #msg-3767753
The following tests are supposed routine.
Russia conducts sub-critical N-tests
Moscow, Aug. 9 (PTI): Russia has conducted a series of "sub-critical" nuclear tests this year at its Arctic testing ground Novoya Zemlya, the country's Chief of Atomic Enegery agency said today. "Such experiments are conducted every year to verify the integrity of nuclear warheads," Chief of Atomic Energy Agency Alexander Rumyantsev was quoted as saying by ITAR-TASS.
Speaking at a Kremlin meeting presided by President Vladimir Putin, Rumyantsev said the tests conducted jointly with the 12th Main Directorate of the Defence Ministry involved "non-nuclear explosive experiments". He, however, did not say when and how many tests were conducted by Russia.
Under the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) -ratified by Russia, but its failure to enter into force due to the US Senate's non-ratification and India, Pakistan and Israel's refusal to join it - allows five recognised members of the nuclear club to conduct 'sub-critical' tests from time to time to verify their nuclear arsenals and virtually develop new generations of the deadly weapons.
On the anniversary of Hiroshima atomic bombardment today, Russian Foreign Ministry lamented that due to North Korea's denunciation of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT) and India, Pakistan and Israel's refusal to sign it the non-proliferation regime has not become global.
Hiroshima, Nagasaki mayors rap Russia over nuke tests
Russia’s subcritical nuclear tests are probably in part related to the U.S. missile defense system in Greenland which really does look like a threat to Russia
Russia says a United States deal with Denmark to upgrade a radar in north-western Greenland has raised fresh security concerns over Washington's planned missile defence shield, known as 'son of star wars'. #msg-3767753
Hiroshima, Nagasaki mayors rap Russia over nuke tests
Wednesday, August 11, 2004 at 16:53 JST TOKYO — The Hiroshima and Nagasaki mayors expressed anger Wednesday over Russia's reported subcritical nuclear tests. "I feel strong anger," Hiroshima Mayor Tadatoshi Akiba said in a written message to Russian President Vladimir Putin. "If the report is true, it will betray the wish of atomic bomb victims and others around the world hoping for the elimination of nuclear weapons."
Nagasaki Mayor Itcho Ito said in a released comment, "It seems Russia is showing off its possession of nuclear weapons and this tramples down the wish for termination of nuclear arms of Nagasaki citizens as well as people around the world." (Kyodo News)
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