Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=05/11/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=RUSSIA / U-S / MISSILES (L)

NUMBER=2-275921

BYLINE=SONJA PACE

DATELINE=MOSCOW

INTERNET=

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Russia says it remains unconvinced by American arguments in favor of U-S plans for a missile defense system. But an American official says Friday's talks in Moscow between visiting U-S envoys and Russian officials were just the "first step" in a continuing dialogue on the issue. V-O-A's Sonja Pace has details from Moscow.

TEXT: Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Yakovenko described Friday's talks as useful and substantive, but not convincing.

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He said the talks ended with more questions than answers. And, Mr. Yakovenko said the American representatives failed to persuade the Russian side that Washington has a clear idea of how to improve international security without damaging arms control agreements that have held up for the past 30 years.

Russia opposes the American missile defense initiative, saying it would violate existing arms control treaties, such as the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile pact. Russia and even some staunch U-S allies warn it could spark an international arms race.

President Bush calls the A-B-M treaty outdated and says the missile defense proposal is the best way to respond to today's post-cold war threats. American officials argue the system is designed to protect the U-S, its friends and allies from missile attacks by rogue states such as Iraq or North Korea.

Moscow argues that threat is exaggerated and fears the missile defense shield could be used against its own missiles in case of a conflict.

Nevertheless, the Russians have said, they welcome Washington's willingness to open a dialogue on the missile defense initiative. And, Foreign Ministry spokesman Yakovenko said discussions would continue.

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He said the issue would be taken up May 18th when Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov is in Washington for talks with Secretary of State Colin Powell.

U-S Deputy National Security Advisor, Stephen Hadley said Friday's talks were just the first step in a consultation process. He said the fact that the talks took place is a sign of progress, but acknowledged much remains to be done to overcome Moscow's opposition to the American proposals.

An 18-member American delegation, headed by Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz, came to Russia as part of a broad diplomatic initiative to drum up support for the missile defense plan or to at least try to soften opposition to it. (Signed)

NEB/SP/GE/KBK