Scared Monkeys Discussion Forum

THE US and Russia are on the verge of clinching a key nuclear arms treaty after Barack Obama signalled that his administration was refocusing on foreign policy in the aftermath of the bruising healthcare battle.

A Kremlin official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said last night that the two sides had agreed on "all documents" for a new deal to slash their nuclear arsenals, replacing the landmark 1991 Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (Start).

The Czech Republic also announced that a date had been set for Mr Obama and President Dmitry Medvedev to meet in Prague and sign the treaty, raising hopes of an accord at Easter.

American officials were more cautious, declaring that the deal was "close, but not finished". Robert Gibbs, the White House press secretary, said Mr Obama and Mr Medvedev still had to have a conversation to wrap up the wording of the treaty. "But we're very close to an agreement," he said, adding: "I would anticipate that when we have something to sign it will be in Prague."

A replacement to Start would be Mr Obama's first significant foreign policy achievement and a major shot in the arm to his presidency. It would also boost American efforts to rein in Iran's nuclear ambitions - a subject on which Moscow seems to be closer to backing the US.