Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=12/04/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-310496

TITLE=RUSSIA / WEAPONS

BYLINE=BILL GASPERINI

DATELINE=MOSCOW

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO:

Russian officials say they will work on developing a program to prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction, as called for by President Vladimir Putin. Bill Gasperini has this report from Moscow.

TEXT:

Senior members of Russia's National Security Council have pledged to draw up guidelines for a more comprehensive W-M-D program.

Security council Secretary Vladimir Rushailo says Russia will draw up a document outlining both immediate and long-term objectives.

The weapons-of-mass-destruction issue gained new immediacy Wednesday, when President Putin admitted publicly that Russia must do more to combat the spread of such weapons.

In a televised address to the security council, Mr. Putin said Russia wants to live up to its international obligations on the issue.

But he said much more needs to be done, and that the council has to develop what he called a "more cohesive" W-M-D program.

He singled out lax export controls as one area that needs immediate attention.

Many foreign countries have long criticized Russia for poor standards in guarding sensitive materials, especially in the nuclear sector.

In recent years, there have been many instances of people caught selling or trying to steal nuclear material from Russian facilities.

(Signed)

NEB / BG / WD