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For Immediate Release
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A New START Unveiled; Historic Step Towards the Global Elimination of Nuclear Weapons

The New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START), signed today by
President Obama and Russian President Medvedev, is, "a historic step
towards addressing our nation's primary public health challenge - the
continued risk of a nuclear weapon detonating in a city in the United
States of America," according to the Physicians for Social
Responsibility (PSR).

WASHINGTON

The New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START), signed today by
President Obama and Russian President Medvedev, is, "a historic step
towards addressing our nation's primary public health challenge - the
continued risk of a nuclear weapon detonating in a city in the United
States of America," according to the Physicians for Social
Responsibility (PSR).

"PSR calls on the Senate to work towards
the ratification of the START in the same bi-partisan spirit that has
been a characteristic of previous discussions on arms control treaties.
Without the two largest nuclear arsenals in the world making these
initial modest cuts, we will continue to see the spread and threat of
nuclear weapons increase," said PSR Executive Director Dr. Peter Wilk.
"With strong leadership from both Democrats and Republicans, we can
reduce that threat, improve our security and send a message to the world
that the days of nuclear weapons are numbered."

"One of the
important elements of this treaty is that it provides a state of the art
verification process that will replace the weak alternative created by
the Moscow Treaty under President Bush," said PSR Security Programs
Director David Hart. "While New START contains modest cuts, equally
important is that this agreement sets the stage for nuclear disarmament
to be placed back on the international agenda and for improved, more
stable relations with Russia."

Click here to
hear PSR Executive Director Peter Wilk's thoughts on new START and
Bridget Nolan's breakdown of the Treaty ratification process.

Physicians for Social Responsibility mobilizes physicians and health professionals to advocate for climate solutions and a nuclear weapons-free world. PSR's health advocates contribute a health voice to energy, environmental health and nuclear weapons policy at the local, federal and international level.