10 March 1998
TRANSCRIPT: STATE DEPARTMENT NOON BRIEFING, MARCH 10
DEPARTMENT OF STATE OFF-CAMERA BRIEFING INDEX Tuesday, March 10, l998 Briefer: James B. Foley RUSSIA 8-9 Investigation into the use of U.S.-made high-performance computers in Russia 9-10 Discussion during the ongoing meeting of the Gore-Chernomyrdin Commission of ratification of the START II treaty ............. Q: Can I ask you about The Washington Times report that the US Embassy in Moscow has reported that the Russians are obstructing an investigation of whether super- computers made in the United States are being used in a nuclear program? MR. FOLEY: I don't have a lot of details about that report, except that I believe it was generally accurate that under that treaty there was an attempt made to seek Russian cooperation that did not succeed. But we don't believe that that avenue or channel, if you will, is the end of the line in terms of our efforts. We continue to have a number of discussions at various levels with the Russians to find a mutually satisfactory solution regarding the high-performance computers in question. The request that was reported is one step of many in an ongoing process. We intend to revisit this issue with the Russians, and we will urge them to reconsider. This matter is also the subject of an ongoing investigation by the Department of Commerce and the US Customs Service under the direction of the US Attorney's office. But we don't provide specific information about ongoing investigations. Q: All you're asking to reconsider. You speak of the general situation. So I'll go ahead and see if I can break this down. They said this is the second time. What are you asking them to reconsider I know you say it's only one channel, but are you asking Russia to reconsider the lack of cooperation or their renewed lack of cooperation? MR. FOLEY: To reconsider the decision on providing access to the computers. Q: And can I ask you, while we're here while Gore and Chernomyrdin are here, two things? Is this -- MR. FOLEY: I probably won't be able to help you a lot about the meetings which are currently taking place. Q: No, no, but you might know if this issue is going to be taken up or is being taken up. These computers Russian-American cooperation -- MR. FOLEY: The Gore-Chernomyrdin Commission covers a broad array of subjects, as you know. Export controls is one of those, and it could come up in that context. Q: This morning's homilies didn't do much to tell us what's going on here, and I suppose we have to wait until tomorrow afternoon, but -- MR. FOLEY: What religious ceremonies are you referring to? Q: Well, about the wonderful relationship between the US and Russia, which is manifest every day in such stories as the lack of cooperation in super-computers. Do you think this will wind up with another declaration that the Duma's going to ratify the START treaty? MR. FOLEY: Barry, I wouldn't want to -- Q: Because we've heard it for about two-and-a-half years now. MR. FOLEY: I would not want to anticipate what may or may not be announced tomorrow at the conclusion of the Commission meeting. Q: Is the US going to push for it again? MR. FOLEY: Well, it's something that we are constantly discussing with the Russians. And from President Yeltsin on down, they've told us that ratification of START II in the Duma is a high government priority that they continue to push for. Q: Are we disappointed it hasn't been is the US disappointed it hasn't been ratified? MR. FOLEY: We would like it to be ratified as soon as possible. ............... (end transcript)
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