US, Russia Pledge Arms Cooperation As Nuclear Treaty Expires

Russia, U.S. Agree To Maintain Expiring Nuclear Arms Pact -- L.A. Times

The Kremlin and the Obama administration say they will continue the provisions of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty of 1991, which ends today, while they try to negotiate a new deal.

Reporting from Washington - The Obama administration and the Kremlin agreed Friday to continue the provisions of their keystone nuclear arms control treaty after its expiration today while they try to negotiate a follow-on agreement.

The two governments issued a statement saying that, because of their desire for stability, "we express our commitment, as a matter of principle, to continue to work together in the spirit of the START treaty following its expiration." The governments cited a "firm intention" to approve a new treaty at the earliest possible date.

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Update: US and Russia Miss Treaty Deadline -- New York Times

My Comment: The spirit is one of cooperation and agreement. A delay of a few weeks and/or more is not going to be significant. Since both sides are in agreement on the main principles and key points, I expect this delay to not last long. A new agreement will probably be reached in the new year, and signed after the U.S. Congress gives its approval .... an approval that will probably be given in the spring/summer of 2010.