Space

DATE=7/9/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=RUMSFELD / MISSILE DEFENSE (L ONLY)

NUMBER=2-278044

BYLINE= ALEX BELIDA

DATELINE= PENTAGON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: U-S Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld is warning against any oversimplified reactions to the missile defense test set for later this week. More from V-O-A Pentagon Correspondent Alex Belida.

TEXT: Mr. Rumsfeld acknowledges this Saturday's test of the controversial missile defense system favored by the Bush administration will be closely watched.

But in an exchange with reporters at the Pentagon, Mr. Rumsfeld declined to respond directly when asked how important it is that the test be a success.

///RUMSFELD ACTUALITY///

My guess is that the outcome will be, unfortunately, simplified when it's over as either succeeding or not succeeding. But of course in advanced technology activity it is seldom that simple. It is most often a situation where a variety of things work properly and a variety of things may not, and more information may be needed, and I suspect that will very likely be the outcome in this instance.

///END ACTUALITY///

Saturday's planned test over the Pacific will be fourth involving an effort by a so-called "kill vehicle" interceptor to hit a ballistic missile. Two of the previous three interceptor tests failed to hit the target missile - leading former President Clinton to defer a decision on pressing ahead with the program.

However, the Bush administration has repeatedly voiced support for missile defenses and has proposed a substantial increase in funding for research.

The U-S effort has come under criticism from China, Russia and even some NATO countries.

Mr. Rumsfeld discussed the missile defense program at the Pentagon Monday with the visiting French Defense Minister (Alain Richard). (Signed)

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