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Obama unable to reassure Russia about new arms control treaty

By IRNA,

Washington : President Barrack Obama is unable to reassure Russia about the new arms control treaty he signed with President Dimitry Medvedev as he prepares to meet him next Sunday on the sidelines of an economic summit meeting in Japan.

President Barack Obama administration worries that Republicans may use their victory in US midterm elections to undo his foreign policy and his new agreement with Russia.

In forging a friendlier relationship with Moscow after years of tension, Obama needs Congress to sign off on three major policy changes: an arms control treaty to reduce nuclear arsenals and resume inspections; a civilian nuclear agreement to permit greater cooperation; and a repeal of cold war-era trade restrictions so Russia can join the World Trade Organization.

If Obama cannot deliver on his promises, American officials and foreign policy specialists fear it will rupture the so-called reset policy and validate Prime Minister Vladimir V. Putin and other Russian leaders who have been skeptical of the rapprochement.

U.S. officials acknowledged that some new members of Congress, particularly those elected under the tea party banner, have different foreign policy views.

On the strategic weapons reduction treaty negotiated with Russia, it was unclear whether Obama would push for ratification in a lame-duck session of the Senate before newly elected members take office in January.

Observers say that Obama will not be successful to persuade the Senate about his plans about weapons reduction treaty because even some Republican senators who approved the agreement with Russia in a recent committee vote want further debate and some changes.