TITLE 22 - US CODE - SUBCHAPTER I - FINDINGS AND PROGRAM AUTHORITY

22 USC 5901 - Demilitarization of independent states of former Soviet Union

The Congress finds that it is in the national security interest of the United States

(1) to facilitate, on a priority basis

(A) the transportation, storage, safeguarding, and destruction of nuclear and other weapons of the independent states of the former Soviet Union, including the safe and secure storage of fissile materials, dismantlement of missiles and launchers, and the elimination of chemical and biological weapons capabilities;

(B) the prevention of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their components and destabilizing conventional weapons of the independent states of the former Soviet Union, and the establishment of verifiable safeguards against the proliferation of such weapons;

(C) the prevention of diversion of weapons-related scientific expertise of the former Soviet Union to terrorist groups or third countries; and

(D) other efforts designed to reduce the military threat from the former Soviet Union;

(2) to support the demilitarization of the massive defense-related industry and equipment of the independent states of the former Soviet Union and conversion of such industry and equipment to civilian purposes and uses; and

(3) to expand military-to-military contacts between the United States and the independent states of the former Soviet Union.

22 USC 5902 - Authority for programs to facilitate demilitarization

(a) In general
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the President is authorized, in accordance with this chapter, to establish and conduct programs described in subsection (b) of this section to assist the demilitarization of the independent states of the former Soviet Union.

(b) Types of programs
The programs referred to in subsection (a) of this section are limited to

(1) transporting, storing, safeguarding, and destroying nuclear, chemical, and other weapons of the independent states of the former Soviet Union, as described in section 212(b) of the Soviet Nuclear Threat Reduction Act of 1991 (title II of Public Law 102228);

(2) establishing verifiable safeguards against the proliferation of such weapons and their components;

(3) preventing diversion of weapons-related scientific expertise of the former Soviet Union to terrorist groups or third countries;

(4) facilitating the demilitarization of the defense industries of the former Soviet Union and the conversion of military technologies and capabilities into civilian activities;

(5) establishing science and technology centers in the independent states of the former Soviet Union for the purpose of engaging weapons scientists, engineers, and other experts previously involved with nuclear, chemical, and other weapons in productive, nonmilitary undertakings; and

(6) expanding military-to-military contacts between the United States and the independent states of the former Soviet Union.

(c) United States participation
The programs described in subsection (b) of this section should, to the extent feasible, draw upon United States technology and expertise, especially from the United States private sector.

(d) Restrictions
United States assistance authorized by subsection (a) of this section may not be provided unless the President certifies to the Congress, on an annual basis, that the proposed recipient country is committed to

(1) making a substantial investment of its resources for dismantling or destroying such weapons of mass destruction, if such recipient has an obligation under a treaty or other agreement to destroy or dismantle any such weapons;

(2) forgoing any military modernization program that exceeds legitimate defense requirements and forgoing the replacement of destroyed weapons of mass destruction;

(3) forgoing any use in new nuclear weapons of fissionable or other components of destroyed nuclear weapons;

(4) facilitating United States verification of any weapons destruction carried out under this chapter or section 212 of the Soviet Nuclear Threat Reduction Act of 1991 (title II of Public Law 102228);

(5) complying with all relevant arms control agreements; and

(6) observing internationally recognized human rights, including the protection of minorities.