Ivanov Speech

A speech by Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov
on September 26, 2001
to the General Assembly of the United Nations

Excerpt of a September 26, 2001 speech by Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov to the General Assembly of the United Nations on the weaponization of space.

Preventing the deployment of weapons in outer space forms an important part of the set of measures designed to ensure strategic stability. It is our common duty before succeeding generations to keep outer space peaceful through joint efforts.

Russia invites the world community to start working out a comprehensive agreement on the non-deployment of weapons in outer space and on the non-use or threat of force against space objects. In particular, the agreement could contain the following elements:

• outer space should be used in conformity with international law in the interests of maintaining peace and security;
• an obligation not to place in the orbit around the Earth any objects carrying any kinds of weapons, not to install such weapons on celestial bodies or station such weapons in outer space in any other manner;
• an obligation not to use or threaten to use force against space objects;
• a provision establishing a verification mechanism overseeing the implementation of the agreement on the basis of confidence-building measures and transparency in outer-space matters.

As the first practical step in this direction, a moratorium could be declared on the deployment of weapons in outer space pending a relevant international agreement. Russia would be willing to make such a commitment immediately, provided that the other leading space powers join this moratorium.

To read the full text of Foreign Minister Ivanov's Speech click here.