Russia toughens nuclear stance

Russia argues the doctrine is in its national interest

Russia has formally adopted a tough new military doctrine that reserves the country's right to use nuclear weapons first if it is under military threat.

The doctrine envisages using all weapons at Russia's disposal if there is no other way to settle a crisis.

Hours after the new doctrine was adopted, the Duma, the lower house of the Russian parliament, ratified the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) which is supposed to end all nuclear test explosions.

The Duma voted in closed session by 298 to 74 in favour of the test ban, with three abstentions.

Click here to see a map of Russia's nuclear bases

The new nuclear doctrine was adopted at a meeting of the national security council, the top advisory body to the president on security.

President-elect Vladimir Putin was expected to sign the document into law later on Friday.

The text of the doctrine answers the national interests of Russia

Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov

According to the Kremlin, the document states that "the Russian federation envisages the possibility of using all forces and means at its disposal, including nuclear weapons, where all other means to settle the crisis have been exhausted or have proven ineffective".

Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov said: "The text of the doctrine answers the national interests of Russia."

Western alarm

There was alarm in the West when a version of the new Russian military doctrine appeared in February which seemed to put increased emphasis on the use of nuclear weapons and suggested Russia saw growing threats to its security.

CTBT and the nuclear powers

Russia, the UK and France have signed and ratified the treaty

US and China have signed but not ratified

Israel has signed but not ratified whilst officially denying possessing weapons

India and Pakistan remain outside CTBT

Russian officials have since then tried to reassure the West that they do not pose any greater threat to anyone, and that their nuclear doctrine is little different from that of Nato.

The BBC's Nick Childs in Moscow says the adoption of the doctrine now, may in part be meant to appease hardliners at a time when Mr Putin is pushing through Russian ratification of key arms control measures.

Firm grip

Shortly after the nuclear doctrine was adopted, the State Duma passed the CTBT.

Ratification of the test ban treaty came a week after it approved the long-delayed Start II nuclear arms reduction agreement.

The Duma overwhelmingly ratified the CTBT

"This step can be seen as the hallmark of Russia's new leadership in foreign policy," Mr Ivanov said.

Swift ratification of both Start II and the test ban treaty are being seen by observers as evidence of Mr Putin's firm grip over the Duma, in sharp contrast to his predecessor Boris Yeltsin.

Our correspondent says Mr Putin has taken the initiative on the nuclear front to improve his international standing.

Mr Putin also wants to put pressure on the US over Washington's controversial plan for a national missile defence system - a project Russia which strongly opposes.

'Crucial treaty'

US President Bill Clinton on Friday congratulated Russia on its ratification of the treaty, describing it as an "important step toward a safer future".

The United Kingdom also welcomed the Duma's decision.

"We hope the US and China will now do likewise," Foreign Office Minister Peter Hain said.

"Early signature of the treaty by India and Pakistan would also be a major step forward," he added.

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