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Primakov letter on
Russian missile-talks stance

Here are excerpts from Russian Foreign Minister Yevgeni Primakov's letter to Secretary of State Warren Christopher on missile defense talks taken from Russia Wants New Curbs on US Missiles By Bill Gertz The Washington Times, page A1, A10, Monday 15 July 1996.

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Dear Chris,

... We share the opinion that it would be important for the delegations in Geneva to execute the guidance given them on-schedule and that now is the time to concentrate attention, needless to say, on agreement on the wording relating to low-velocity systems....

The list of guidelines for the second phase would thus consist the following elements:

• limits on the parameters of ballistic missile targets (velocity of 5 kilometers per second and a range of 3,500 -kilometers) during tests of high-velocity non-strategic ABM systems.
• A ban on the use of both multiple reentry vehicles on ballistic missile targets and strategic ballistic missile reentry vehicles during tests of high-velocity non-strategic ABM systems.
• A ban on space-based non-strategic ABM interceptors.
• A ban on space-based tracking and guidance sensors...
• A ban on nonstrategic space-based ABM systems which make use of other physical principles...
• Not imposing a ban on non-strategic ABM systems interceptors equipped with nuclear warheads.
• Discussion of limits on basing of air-launched, high-velocity nonstrategic ABM systems.
• Introduction of limits on the parameters (maximum velocity) for interceptors of high-velocity nonstrategic ABM systems.
• Setting limits on testing conditions for high-velocity nonstrategic ABM systems.
• Setting limits on the number and geography for deployment of high-velocity nonstrategic ABM systems....

We make note of the assurances by the American side that the United States does not plan to conduct flight tests of high-velocity systems against any kind of targets for the next three years.

Along with this, we understand that the obligation on that account must be of an all- encompassing nature and cover all types of tests of high-velocity systems....

During such tests, as you know, the capabilities of an anti-strategic ballistic missile system could be developed. Such an approach, you will agree, would be fraught with the danger of circumvention of the ABM treaty.

... Sincerely,

[signed] Ye. Primakov

Source: State Department