Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=02/20/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=RUSSIA / MISSILE DEFENSE (L-UPDATE)

NUMBER=2-272794

BYLINE=LARRY JAMES

DATELINE=MOSCOW

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

///// ED'S: UPDATES 2-272784 WITH NEW INFORMATION /////

INTRO: Russia has proposed to NATO that a European missile-defense system be developed as an alternative to U-S plans for a national missile shield. Larry James reports from Moscow on the proposal, which was made during a series of high-level meetings between Russian officials and visiting NATO Secretary General George Robertson.

TEXT: Russian President Vladimir Putin told Mr. Robertson that he hopes NATO will give serious consideration to his European missile-defense proposal. The plan was presented to the Secretary-General during a meeting with Russian Defense Minister Igor Sergeyev.

Mr. Robertson said Russia would be presenting more details on the proposal at NATO headquarters in Brussels at a future date.

There are few specifics known about the Russian plan, although it is believed to be based on the idea of a mobile anti-missile force for Europe first outlined by Mr. Putin last year.

Then the Russian leader proposed what has been termed a "non-strategic" defense built around the idea of closely monitoring potential threats and then intervening in a joint political effort to avert hostilities.

A second part of the plan would be a mobile missile force that could be deployed near a potential aggressor, but such a deployment would only be used as a last resort.

The Kremlin's plan is being offered as an alternative to the American national missile-defense system which Russia considers a threat to world security. The U-S system has also been greeted with skepticism by some NATO allies.

Secretary-General Robertson is also in Moscow to reassure the Kremlin about NATO enlargement, which Russia objects to, especially eastward expansion of the alliance. He told Mr. Putin that NATO expansion poses no threat to Russia because, he said - we do not see Russia as an adversary but a partner - in an increasingly integrated Europe.

Mr. Putin said he was glad to hear that NATO does not consider Russia an adversary, but he added the expansion of the alliance to the borders of Russia could not be explained as anything other than a threat.

The Kremlin adamantly opposes NATO expansion to include the Baltic states of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia, all of which are eager for membership. (SIGNED)

NEB/LDJ/GE/RAE