Obama: New Russia Treaty a 'National Security Imperative'

U.S President Barack Obama says ratifying a new nuclear arms reduction treaty with Russia is a "national security imperative" that cannot be delayed.

President Obama again called for quick passage of the START treaty Thursday, following a meeting with former high-ranking diplomats and defense officials from previous presidential administrations.

The treaty aims to cut deployed nuclear weapons by about 30 percent, but its ratification has been delayed due to concerns from key opposition lawmakers in the U.S. Senate.

The president warned Washington "cannot afford to gamble" when it comes to the country's ability to verify Russia's strategic nuclear arsenal. He also said failing to ratify the treaty could cost the U.S. Russia's support on other issues, including on Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons.

Despite the political opposition, Mr. Obama said he is confident he can get enough votes to pass the new START treaty this year.

Mr. Obama cautioned the new START treaty should not be subjected to political bickering, saying the concept behind the treaty has been promoted by presidents from both the Republican and Democratic parties.

Senator Jon Kyl, the Republican negotiator on the issue, has resisted the president's efforts to hold the vote before the new Congress takes office in January with a stronger Republican presence.

Kyl has voiced concerns the new START treaty would harm U.S. missile defense efforts.

President Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed the new agreement in April.

During his recent trip to Asia, Mr. Obama assured Mr. Medvedev that getting the treaty ratified is one of his top priorities.

Ratification requires support from 67 of the Senate's 100 members.