Belarus ships last nuclear missile to Russia

Russia's window to the West

Moscow sent Russian Defense Minister Igor Rodionov to the ceremony at a village west of Minsk, proving that Lukashenko can count on his eastern neighbor in the midst of political turmoil in his country.

Lukashenko tightened his control over the nation of 10 million people after winning a weekend referendum giving him vast powers and extending his term until 2001.

The president had threatened to keep the last missile as a bargaining chip against NATO's possible expansion into eastern Europe.

"Some Western politicians and strategists are forcing through NATO expansion, supposedly to increase security," Rodionov said. "I ask, security from whom? We are resolutely, definitely against NATO expansion eastwards."

Belarusian officials said that in light of NATO's planned expansion into eastern Europe, they had sought assurance of military backing from close ally Moscow.

"Belarus can be sure that in case of any threat to its territorial integrity and sovereignty, it will always receive reliable support from Russia," Radinov said.

Lax nuclear security in Russia?

Wary of the continuing threat from Soviet-made nuclear missiles, the United States has spent massive amounts to ensure their destruction.

The United States has committed more than $100 million to Belarus this decade to dismantle its nuclear missiles and convert defense industries to civilian use. It also has allocated at least $17 million for transporting the warheads to Russia from Belarus, Ukraine and Kazakhstan, and $3 million for improved warhead storage in Russia.

Allegations of lax nuclear security or safety in Russia are still a major concern in the West. Little is known about the security at the military facilities where the weapons are located.

International monitors do not witness the destruction of nuclear weapons. But representatives of the CIA and other intelligence agencies claim they can monitor the promised reductions, saying Russia's shift to democracy has made it almost impossible to conceal unauthorized weapons.