DATE:05/31/95
TITLE:HUNGARY DESTROYS SCUD MISSILE SYSTEM
TEXT:
(Text: Senator Roth, Amb. Blinken remarks) (820)
Budapest, Hungary -- On Monday, May 29, Hungary destroyed its scud
missile capability. Before a crowd of dignitaries, including the
minister of defense, U.S. Ambassador to Hungary Donald Blinken and a
delegation from the United States Congress lead by Senator Roth and
Congresswoman Schroeder, the Hungarian government with the assistance
of Maryland-based Controlled Demolition International (CD) and Arzenal
Rt. detonated tons of SCUD-related material.
The event demonstrated Hungary's commitment to the Missile Technology
Control Regime (MTCR) whose purpose is to prevent the proliferations
of weapons and was paid for out of the State Department's
non-proliferation fund. Senator William Roth of Delaware and
Ambassador to Hungary Donald Blinken gave remarks.
Following are remarks by Senator Roth and Ambassador Blinken at the
ceremony:
(Begin text)
SENATOR ROTH: It is a real honor for our delegation from the U.S.
Congress to attend this ceremony marking the destruction of SCUD
missiles. Indeed, this afternoon brings to a close another historic
event: The plenary session of the North Atlantic Assembly which for
the first time was held in a central European country.
This ceremony is emblematic of the shared values and cooperation that
has evolved between Budapest and Washington. In destroying all of its
SCUD missiles, Hungary is living up to its commitment to adhere to the
Missile Technology Control Regime whose purpose is to prevent the
dangerous and uncontrolled proliferation of weapons like the SCUD. It
was the SCUD missile that Iraq used during the Gulf War to intimidate
and then attack its neighbors. It is a weapons system whose purposes
are entirely offensive.
This is the first time the United States is assisting a country in
eliminating an entire class of its weapons systems. This ceremony is,
thus, a major event in our relationship, one that demonstrates how our
deepening ties can and are being used to promote broader objectives of
regional security and stability. We are working together against
perhaps the most difficult and dangerous development of the twentieth
century, the threat posed by the proliferation of high technology
weapons.
The destruction of these SCUD missiles is one of many contributions
that Hungary is making toward enduring peace in post-Cold War Europe.
Hungary is working relentlessly to contain the war in former
Yugoslavia: Hungarians have sacrificed to shelter vulnerable refugees
who are fleeing from the regions besieged by war, and the Hungarian
economy has suffered from the embargoes imposed upon that region.
In theses way and others, Hungry has proven that it is a significant
and contributing member of the Democratic community of nations and, I
emphasize, is ready and worthy to be counted among the nations of
NATO. Thank you.
AMBASSADOR BLINKEN: Minister Keleti, State Secretary Szent-Ivanyi,
Chairman Mecs, General Deak, Senators, Congresswomen and Congressmen,
distinguished guests: Today we will witness the destruction of a very
dangerous offensive weapon system -- the SCUD-B. Before us, we can see
the missile launchers, control equipment, and other essential
components.
This is the very same kind of offensive weapon system that Iraq used
against the coalition forces during the Gulf War.
Depending on the warhead, the SCUD missiles could be used to carry
conventional armaments, chemical or biological weapons, or even
nuclear weapons.
Their destruction today -- under peaceful and secure circumstances --
is the result of the joint determination of Hungary and the United
States to control the spread of such dangerous missile systems.
A few years ago, the United States supported Hungary's membership in
the Missile Technology Control Regime. The "MTCR," as it is called, is
a system of cooperation among states to prevent the spread of
dangerous missile equipment and technology.
As a full member of this organization, Hungary agreed to destroy all
of its own SCUD missile systems. At the same time, the United States
agreed to arrange and help pay for this destruction. This is being
managed through the Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Fund
administered by the U.S. Department of State.
I want to stress, however, that today's event is not just about
controlling dangerous missile technology -- although that is certainly
very important.
What this event is really about is Hungary demonstrating -- with
concrete steps -- its determination to be a full, contributing member
of the Western political, economic and security system.
And no less important, it is also about the United States taking the
lead in helping Hungary -- also with concrete steps -- to achieve this
vision.
I know a lot has been said about U.S.-Hungarian cooperation and
Hungary's efforts at Western integration. I myself gave a major speech
that focused on these themes in mid-March. Today, however, it is not
just words. From what I understand about what is about to happen here,
U.S.-Hungarian cooperation will be demonstrated in a very powerful
way. Thank you very much.
(End text)
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