Military

DATE=10/21/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH PUTIN (L)

NUMBER=2-282085

BYLINE=PAULA WOLFSON

DATELINE=SHANGHAI, CHINA (L)

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The United States and Russia are vowing to cooperate in the war on terrorism and in the search for an agreement on missile defense. V-O-A's Paula Wolfson reports both issues were on the agenda when President Bush and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Shanghai, China.

TEXT: They say they are making progress on a new strategic framework. But at their third meeting this year, both men held to their old positions on missile defense and the anti-ballistic missile treaty.

President Bush says he wants to scrap the 1972 Cold War treaty in order to build a missile shield. President Putin remains skeptical, but sounds optimistic.

At a joint news conference in Shanghai, Mr. Putin speaking through an interpreter - said some sort of understanding on the A-B-M treaty is possible.

/// PUTIN AND TRANSLATOR ///

At least I believe we do have understanding that we can reach agreement taking into account national interests of Russia and the United States and taking into account the necessity to strengthen international stability in this very important area.

/// END ACT ///

President Bush called the anti-ballistic-missile treaty outdated and outmoded.

/// BUSH ACT ///

We will continue working with year other and see if we can not find common ground on the A-B-M treaty.

/// END ACT ///

Mr. Bush said the United States seeks a new relationship with Russia based on cooperation and mutual interests, instead of confrontation. He told reporters President Putin's response to the September 11th terrorist attack on America offered proof that relations have entered a new phase.

/// BUSH ACT TWO ///

He knew the American military was moving to high-alert status. To simplify our situation, to show solidarity, he ordered Russia's military to stop a set of exercises that were getting underway. America and I in particular - will remember this act of friendship in a time of need.

/// END ACT ///

The Russian leader said the consequences of the September 11th attacks are being felt around the world. He said he stands by the decision to attack terrorist and Taleban targets in Afghanistan.

/// PUTIN AND TRANSLATOR ACT ///

I fully agree with the position of President Bush, and I believe that his action was measured and adequate to the threat that the United States was confronted with.

/// END ACT ///

This was their first face-to-face meeting since the September 11th terrorist attacks. Presidents Bush and Putin will meet again next month in the United States, and will spend November 12th through the 14th at the Bush ranch in Crawford, Texas. (SIGNED)

NEB/PW/RAE