DATE=1/31/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=RUSSIA / ALBRIGHT (L-UPDATE)
NUMBER=2-258634
BYLINE=PETER HEINLEIN
DATELINE=MOSCOW
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Secretary of State Madeleine Albright has
opened three-days of talks in Moscow with a warning
that Russia risks international isolation for its
brutal war in Chechnya. Moscow Correspondent Peter
Heinlein reports day-one of Ms. Albright's visit
focused on a number of contentious bilateral issues.
TEXT: The Secretary of State emerged from six-hours
of talks with Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov,
saying the agenda included a frank exchange on
Chechnya.
/// ALBRIGHT ACT ///
We have made quite clear that we think there has
been an incredible amount of misery injected
upon the civilian population of Chechnya, both
militarily and also because of the creation of
so many refugees.
/// END ACT ///
En route to Moscow, Secretary Albright was quoted as
saying Acting Russian President Vladimir Putin was -
riding a tiger - by pushing the military offensive
against Chechen rebels. After her talks with Foreign
Minister Ivanov, she said international pressure on
Russia would continue as long as Chechen civilians are
indiscriminately targeted.
/// 2ND ALBRIGHT ACT ///
I did make it clear to the Foreign Minister that
it was my sense that Russia was paying a toll
internationally for its actions and being
increasingly isolated.
/// END ACT ///
Foreign Minister Ivanov said he understands the
international concern, but said he believes the
criticism is misguided.
/// IVANOV ACT IN RUSSIAN, THEN FADE TO. ///
He says - we are fighting terrorists who do not allow
us to establish peace in the Northern Caucasus and
Chechnya. He added he expects the military part of
the campaign to be over soon, and said talk about
isolating Russia is unjustified.
The two ministers set aside their differences briefly
to sign an agreement designed to tighten controls on
technology used in launching U-S satellites from
Russian facilities.
/// REST OPT ///
Tuesday, they turn their attention to Middle East
issues, as the United States and Russia co-host a one-
day multi-lateral conference, the first of its kind in
more than three-years. Among those attending will be
representatives of Israel, the Palestinians, and four
Arab countries.
Wednesday, Secretary Albright meets Acting President
Putin for what is being called a get-acquainted
session. She will be the first senior Clinton
administration official to meet the Russian leader
since President Boris Yeltsin's surprise New Year's
Eve resignation.
Administration officials say in addition to talks on
Chechnya, Ms. Albright will use the meeting to press
for a softening of Russia's opposition to proposed
changes in the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile treaty.
The United States wants to amend the A-B-M accord to
allow development of a partial missile-defense shield.
Russia fiercely opposes any changes, saying they would
undermine the concept on which all subsequent arms
agreements are based. (SIGNED)
NEB/PFH/GE/RAE
31-Jan-2000 12:26 PM EDT (31-Jan-2000 1726 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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