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More foreign dignitaries in the US since 1945, topic: nukes

by YankeeJim | April 12, 2010 at 03:27 pm

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Harbored in the area of Washington DC’s convention center are more foreign dignitaries than have been in the country since 1945 and the formation of the United Nations in San Francisco. The topic then was keeping the world safe and preventing the return of regimes like the Nazis. That was hard to reconcile with the presence of the USSR and communist dictators.

Today’s discussion about nuclear proliferation must be difficult too because 1) the US is the lead nuclear power, and 2) many other countries have nuclear power and intend to weaponize their nuclear resource.

Nuclear power is a critical alternative energy source for the world, and preventing peaceful use is a nonstarter. Needed is an effective international regulatory force to ensure that nuclear nations do not create and produce nuclear weapons.

The US and Russia demonstrated a willingness to reduce their arms inventory. Iran and Korea intend to expand theirs. And, Israel is just being coy.

“Obama opens nuclear summit with focus on preventing terror attacks

By Michael D. Shear and Eli Saslow

Monday, April 12, 2010; 6:01 PM

President Obama formally opened the largest gathering of foreign leaders in the United States since World War II on Monday with the aim of drawing attention to the growing dangers of nuclear terrorism.

Obama called the nuclear security summit "impressive," telling reporters during a break between a string of meetings with heads of state and government that the unprecedented discussions would help pave the way to a safer world.

"It's an indication of how deeply concerned everybody should be with the possibilities of nuclear traffic," Obama said, "and I think at the end of this we're going to see some very specific, concrete actions that each nation is taking that will make the world a little bit safer."”

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YankeeJim

at 15:43 on April 12th, 2010

Tragically...

Bicyclist killed on N.Y. Avenue

Update, 7:23 p.m.:A bicyclist was fatally injured Monday night after she was struck by a vehicle in a military convoy connected with the nuclear security summit being held at the Washington Convention Center, authorities said.

The bicyclist, a woman, was hit about 6 p.m. at the corner of 12th and New York Avenue NW, said D.C. police spokesman Quintin Peterson.

“It was horrific,” said a woman who declined to give her name, but was clearly shaken after seeing the incident as she emerged from a nearby restaurant.

Further details were not immediately available.