13 November 2001
Transcript: Bush Announces Deep Cuts in Nuclear Arsenal
(Holds News Conference with Russia's President Vladimir Putin) (5280)
The United States will sharply cut its nuclear arsenal over the next
ten years, President Bush announced November 13 at a joint news
conference at the White House with Russia's President Vladimir Putin.
"I have informed President Putin that the United States will reduce
our operationally deployed strategic nuclear warheads to a level
between 1,700 and 2,200 over the next decade, a level fully consistent
with American security," Bush said.
The U.S. arsenal includes about 6,000 such weapons.
Putin said Russia would reciprocate by cutting its arsenal, but he did
not give a specific figure.
"We appreciate very much the decision by the President to reduce
strategic offensive weapons to the limits indicated by him. And we,
for our part, will try to respond in kind," said Putin.
Both Presidents said they are continuing discussions on a new
strategic framework.
Bush noted that he and President Putin "have different points of view"
about the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty but would continue
"dialogue and discussions" about it "so that we may be able to develop
a new strategic framework that enables both of us to meet the true
threats of the 21st century as partners and friends, not as
adversaries."
The United States and the Soviet Union signed the treaty in 1972.
Bush said he is convinced that the ABM treaty "is outdated" and said
both countries "need to move beyond it. And we're having discussions
along those lines. We had good discussions today; we had good
discussions in Shanghai; we had good discussions in Slovenia; and
we'll have good discussions in Crawford. This is obviously a subject
that's got a lot of ramifications to it."
The two leaders spoke at a joint White House news conference following
talks in the Oval Office and a working luncheon. Bush and Putin will
continue discussions at the President's ranch in Crawford, Texas
November 14 and 15.
In their remarks, Bush and Putin stressed that the relationship
between the two countries has fundamentally changed since the end of
the Cold War.
"We're transforming our relationship from one of hostility and
suspicion to one based on cooperation and trust," Bush said.
Putin said his government intends "to dismantle conclusively the
vestiges of the Cold War and to develop (an) entirely new partnership"
with the United States.
"We need to, and want to, build a new relationship in the 21st
century," the Russian President said.
Bush and Putin also discussed the war against international terrorism,
the military situation in Afghanistan, the Middle East and Russia's
relationship with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
Following is the White House transcript:
(begin transcript)
The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
November 13, 2001
Press Conference by President Bush and Russian President Vladimir
Putin
The East Room
PRESIDENT BUSH: It's a great honor for me to welcome President
Vladimir Putin to the White House, and to welcome his wife as well.
This is a new day in the long history of Russian-American relations, a
day of progress and a day of hope.
The United States and Russia are in the midst of a transformation of a
relationship that will yield peace and progress. We're transforming
our relationship from one of hostility and suspicion to one based on
cooperation and trust, that will enhance opportunities for peace and
progress for our citizens and for people all around the world.
The challenge of terrorism makes our close cooperation on all issues
even more urgent. Russia and America share the same threat and the
same resolve. We will fight and defeat terrorist networks wherever
they exist. Our highest priority is to keep terrorists from acquiring
weapons of mass destruction.
Today, we agreed that Russian and American experts will work together
to share information and expertise to counter the threat from
bioterrorism. We agreed that it is urgent that we improve the physical
protection and accounting of nuclear materials and prevent illicit
nuclear trafficking.
And we will strengthen our efforts to cut off every possible source of
biological, chemical and nuclear weapons, materials and expertise.
Today, we also agreed to work more closely to combat organized crime
and drug-trafficking, a leading source of terrorist financing.
Both nations are committed to the reconstruction of Afghanistan, once
hostilities there have ceased and the Taliban are no longer in
control. We support the UN's efforts to fashion a post-Taliban
government that is broadly based and multi-ethnic. The new government
must export neither terror nor drugs, and it must respect fundamental
human rights.
And Russia and the United States -- as Russia and the United States
work more closely to meet new 21st century threats, we're also working
hard to put the threats of the 20th century behind us once and for
all. And we can report great progress.
The current levels of our nuclear forces do not reflect today's
strategic realities. I have informed President Putin that the United
States will reduce our operationally deployed strategic nuclear
warheads to a level between 1,700 and 2,200 over the next decade, a
level fully consistent with American security.
Russia and the United States have also had vast discussions about our
defensive capabilities, the ability to defend ourselves as we head
into the 21st century. We have different points of view about the ABM
Treaty, and we will continue dialogue and discussions about the ABM
Treaty, so that we may be able to develop a new strategic framework
that enables both of us to meet the true threats of the 21st century
as partners and friends, not as adversaries.
The spirit of partnership that now runs through our relationship is
allowing the United States and Russia to form common approaches to
important regional issues. In the Middle East, we agree that all
parties must take practical actions to ease tensions so that peace
talks can resume. We urge the parties to move without delay to
implement the Tenet work plan and the Mitchell Report recommendations.
In Europe, we share a vision of a European Atlantic community whole,
free and at peace; one that includes all of Europe's democracies, and
where the independence and sovereignty of all nations are respected.
Russia should be a part of this Europe.
We will work together with NATO and NATO members to build new avenues
of cooperation and consultation between Russia and NATO. NATO members
and Russia are increasingly allied against terrorism, regional
instability, and other threats of our age. And NATO must reflect this
alliance.
We're encouraged by President Putin's commitment to a political
dialogue in Chechnya. Russia has also made important strides on
immigration and the protection of religious and ethnic minorities,
including Russia's Jewish community. On this issue, Russia is in a
fundamentally different place than it was during the Soviet era.
President Putin told me that these gains for freedom will be protected
and expanded.
Our Foreign Ministers have sealed this understanding in an exchange of
letters. Because of this progress, my administration will work with
Congress to end the application of Jackson-Vanik Amendment to Russia.
Russia has set out to strengthen free market institutions and the rule
of law. On this basis, our economic relationship is developing
quickly, and we will look for further ways to expand it.
A strong, independent media is a vital part of a new Russia. We've
agreed to launch a dialogue on media entrepreneurship, so that
American and Russian media representatives can meet and make practical
recommendations to both our governments, in order to advance our goal
of free media, and free exchange of ideas. Russia and the United
States will continue to face complex and difficult issues. Yet, we've
made great progress in a very short period of time. Today, because we
are working together, both our countries and the world are more secure
and safe.
I want to thank President Putin for the spirit of our meetings.
Together, we're making history, as we make progress. Laura and I are
looking forward to welcoming the Putins to our ranch in Crawford,
Texas. I can't wait to show you my state, and where I live. In the
meantime, I hope you have a fine stay here in Washington, D.C. And
it's my honor to welcome you to the White House, sir, and welcome you
to the podium.
PRESIDENT PUTIN: Ladies and gentlemen, I don't know whether I would
have an opportunity to address such a representative audience of the
press and media. I would like to begin, anyway, with a thanks to the
President of the United States, not only for his kind invitation to
visit the United States and Washington, but also for his very informal
initiation of our negotiations earlier today. Myself and my colleagues
are very pleased to be here, this historic building of the White
House. And President Bush deemed it appropriate not only to tour me,
to guide me through the premises of this house, where he lives, he --
saw almost every picture hanging on the walls of this great building.
It's not only very interesting, but it is not only very interesting,
but it also changes for the better the quality of our relationship. I
would like to once again thank the President and the American people,
and I would like to express our condolences in connection with the
recent plane crash in the United States. As they say in Russia,
tragedy does not come alone. And tragedies always come in many
numbers. I am confident that the U.S. -- American people would face
this tragedy very bravely.
I would like to inform you that the Washington part of our
negotiations is being completed and our discussions proved very
constructive, interesting and useful and will continue at Crawford.
But the preliminary results we evaluate as extremely positive. This is
our fourth meeting with President Bush in the last few months. I
believe this is a vivid demonstration of the dynamic nature of the
Russian-American relations. We have come to understand each other
better and our positions are becoming closer on the key issues of
bilateral and international relations. We are prepared now to seek
solutions in all areas of our joint activities. We intend to dismantle
conclusively the vestiges of the Cold War and to develop new --
entirely new partnership for long term.
Of course, we discussed in detail the subject matter of fight against
terrorism. The tragic developments of September 11th demonstrated
vividly the need for a joint effort to counter this global threat. We
consider this threat as a global threat, indeed, and the terrorists
and those who help them should know that the justice is inescapable
and it will reach them, wherever they try to hide.
Also, post-crisis political settlement in Afghanistan was discussed.
The most important thing for today is to return peace and the life and
honor to Afghanistan, so that no threat originate from Afghanistan to
the international stability. Of course, we do not intend to force upon
the Afghani people the solutions; it is for them to resolve those
issues with the active participation of the United Nations.
We discussed in detail our dialogue related to strategic offensive and
defensive weapons. Here, we managed to achieve certain progress. First
of all, it has to do with the prospects of reaching a reliable and
verifiable agreement on further reductions of the U.S. and Russian
weapons.
Here I must say, we appreciate very much the decision by the President
to reduce strategic offensive weapons to the limits indicated by him.
And we, for our part, will try to respond in kind.
On the issues of missile defense, the position of Russia remains
unchanged. And we agreed to continue a dialogue and consultations on
this. I believe that it's too early now to draw the line under the
discussions of these issues, and we will have an opportunity to
continue the work on this -- one of the very difficult issues at the
Crawford ranch.
We also exchanged on a number of topical issues of international
importance: the Balkans, Iraq, and we reiterated in a joint statement
the resolve of the United States and Russia to facilitate settlement
in the Middle East and the early resumption of negotiations between
Israelis and Palestinians.
We also discussed seriously the development of relations between
Russia and NATO, including, taking into account a changed
international situation. We consider that there are opportunities for
an entirely new mechanism, joint decision-making and coordinated
action in the area of security and stability.
We considered in detail a number of economic cooperation issues. The
Russian-American dialogue in this area has become recently more
constructive and more tangible. Such major investment projects as
Sakhalin I and Caspian Pipeline Consortium are gaining momentum.
Successful is cooperation in the airspace, mining, chemistry, car
building and other industries.
Direct contacts are expanding between entrepreneurs of the two
countries, including within the Russian-American business dialogue. It
is with satisfaction that we note a certain progress in issues related
to the Russia's accession to the WTO. In recognizing Russia as a
market economy country, and we've felt a great degree of understanding
that such issues should be resolved, I mean, dealing with the
Jackson-Vanik amendment, not de facto, but in legal terms. And in this
context, our Foreign Minister and the Secretary of State, Messrs.
Ivanov and Powell exchanged letters reiterating the resolve of Russia
and the United States to observe human rights and religious freedoms.
Of course, the capabilities imbedded in the bilateral relationship
have not been fully implemented. The key -- we have quite a lot of
things to do, but we are confident that the success is by and large
predetermined by our resolve to cooperate energetically and
constructively. That, and I'm confident, would benefit both countries.
And which is reflected, also, in our visit to this country today.
Thank you.
Q: Mr. President, welcome to the White House, sir. Mr. President, the
Northern Alliance forces took over Kabul, and there are reports of
executions of POWs and other violent reprisals. Can the Alliance be
trusted to form a broad-based government? If not, what should happen
next to stabilize Afghanistan, and what role, if any, should U.S.
troops play in that political phase?
PRESIDENT BUSH: First of all, we're making great progress in our
objective, and that is to tighten the net and eventually bring al
Qaeda to justice, and at the same time, deal with the government that
has been harboring them.
President Putin and I spent a lot of time talking about the Northern
Alliance and their relationship to Kabul, as well as Mazar-e Sharif
and other cities that have now been liberated from the Taliban. I made
it very clear to him that we would continue to work with the Northern
Alliance to make sure they recognized that in order for there to be a
stable Afghanistan, which is one of our objectives, after the Taliban
leaves, that the country be a good neighbor, that they must recognize
that a future government must include a representative from all of
Afghanistan.
We listened very carefully to the comments coming out of the Northern
Alliance today. And they made it very clear they had no intention of
occupying Kabul. That's what they said. I have seen reports, which you
refer to, and I also saw a report that said, on their way out of town
the Taliban was wreaking havoc on the citizenry of Kabul. And if that
be the case -- I haven't had it verified one way or the other -- but I
wouldn't be the least bit surprised. After all, the Taliban has been
wreaking havoc on the entire country for over a decade, this has been
on of the most repressive regimes in the history of mankind. And --
but we will continue to work with our Northern Alliance -- with the
Northern Alliance commanders to make sure they respect the human
rights of the people that they are liberating.
I also saw reports -- and I think President Putin mentioned this today
as well -- that in some of the northern cities, there was great joyous
-- a wonderful joyous occasion as the citizens were free, free from
repression, free from a dictatorial government. But we are both
mindful and particularly mindful of the need for us to work with our
Northern Alliance friends to treat people with respect.
PRESIDENT PUTIN: All of our actions were aimed at liberating the
northern parts of Afghanistan and the capital of Afghanistan, liberate
from the Taliban regime. And any military action is accompanied not
only by the military resistance, but also an information resistance.
What we are witnessing right now, exactly. We tend to forget now the
destruction of the cultural heritage of humankind. We tend to forget
now the atrocities by Taliban. And we are talking less than usual of
the Taliban harboring international terrorism. The information that
Northern Alliance are shooting -- are shooting the prisoners of war
was launched a few days ago. The Northern Alliance was not in Kabul a
few days ago; they were liberating northern parts of the country.
And for those who do not know, I will tell, the northern part of the
country is inhabited by the ethnic groups represented in the Northern
Alliance, I mean, Uzbeks and Tajiks. It is very difficult for me to
imagine them shooting their own population. I utterly exclude this. If
there are any instances in the course of the military action of the
violation of human rights and treatment of the prisoners of war, we
must investigate and take action. But we need proof.
Talking of this, we should not forget the things that we see, the way
people meet advancing Northern Alliance troops, liberating the cities
and villages of the Taliban. The women getting rid of chadors and
burning them. And this, I would like you, ladies and gentlemen of the
press, to pay attention to. Thank you.
Q: Specific numbers were mentioned here with regard to the reductions
of offensive weapons. When, and if at all, one could expect that such
specific numbers made public be substantiated by some papers, maybe
during a possible visit by President Bush to Moscow? And by the way,
when could this visit take place?
PRESIDENT BUSH: Got to get invited first. (Laughter.) Do you want to
start?
PRESIDENT PUTIN: President Bush is aware of that. And I would like to
reiterate, he has an open invitation to visit the Russian Federation,
with an official working or a private visit, in any format, at any
time convenient for him. I mean, the best time would be during the
time of the beginning of the year, White Nights in St. Petersburg. Of
course, the official part would start in Moscow in the capital of the
Russian Federation.
But as for the business part, I think that before that time, our
advisors will continue working. And we, for our part, for the Russian
part, are prepared to present all our agreements in a treaty form,
including the issues of verification and control.
PRESIDENT BUSH: I think it's interesting to note that a new
relationship based upon trust and cooperation is one that doesn't need
endless hours of arms control discussions. I can remember watching the
news, years ago, and seeing that people would sit at tables for hours
and hours and hours trying to reach reduced levels of nuclear
armament.
My attitude is, here's what we can live with. And so I've announced a
level that we're going to -- that we'll stick by. To me, that's how
you approach a relationship that is changed, and different. And we'd
be glad to -- and I looked the man in the eye and shook his hand, and
if we need to write it down on a piece of paper, I'll be glad to do
that. But that's what our government is going to do over the next 10
years.
And we don't need an arms control agreement or an arms control -- let
me say this -- we don't need arms control negotiations to reduce our
weaponry in a significant way. And today you've now heard for the
first time the level that I think is commensurate with the spirit of
reducing our own weaponry, and at the same time, keeping the peace. Q
You mentioned vast discussions on the ABM Treaty. What progress are
you making? And are you convinced you won't have to withdraw from the
treaty now?
PRESIDENT BUSH: Well, I'm convinced that the treaty is outdated and we
need to move beyond it. And we're having discussions along those
lines. We had good discussions today; we had good discussions in
Shanghai; we had good discussions in Slovenia; and we'll have good
discussions in Crawford. This is obviously a subject that's got a lot
of ramifications to it. I clearly heard what the President has had to
say and his view of the ABM Treaty; he's heard what I've had to say.
And we'll continue working it.
But my position is, is that it is a piece of paper that's codified a
relationship that no longer exists -- codified a hateful relationship.
And now we've got a friendly relationship. And I think we need to have
a new strategic framework that reflects the new relationship, based
upon trust and cooperation. But we'll continue to work it.
Q: A question to President Bush. His advisors expressed concern over
the situation with the freedom of speech in Russia. But after
September 11th, it would seem to me that the situation is changing
somewhat in the United States, too. There are special rules for
covering -- anti-terrorist operation, bin Laden is denied any
opportunity to present his views in the media, quite appropriately, in
my view. And so on and so forth.
The authority of the special services have been extended, and there
have been rumors that some of your members of your administration went
to Hollywood explaining to them a few things. Where is the line in the
sand where -- beyond which it is impossible to cross, delineating a
voluntary restraint on the part of the media and --
PRESIDENT BUSH: Yes. First of all, I have been trying to tame our
press corps ever since I got into politics, and I've failed miserably.
(Laughter.) They get to express their opinions, sometimes in the form
of news -- (laughter) -- any way they want to.
I asked them the other day, would it be okay if I cut a 30-minute
tape, a piece of propaganda, no questions, just here -- here it is,
here's 30 minutes of me talking; please run it, not only across your
airwaves but run it internationally, if you don't mind; I've got
something to say about the conflict and our fight against evil. They
said, no, they're not going to do that. If I'm going to get on the
news, they've got to ask me questions.
And so we extended the same courtesy to Osama bin Laden. He doesn't
get to just cut a 30-minute tape where he may be calling his soldiers
to action, where he is definitely condemning all Jews, Christians,
threatening individuals, to be able to put a 30-minute propaganda tape
on the free airwaves. And we made that suggestion; we didn't dictate,
we just suggested. And some of the news organizations -- or all the
news organizations readily agreed that was a responsible posture to
take. And for that, I'm grateful. But the press in America has never
been stronger, and never been freer, and never been more vibrant.
Sometimes, to my chagrin, and a lot of times to my delight. But
whoever thinks that I have the capability, or my government has the
capability, of reining in this press corps simply doesn't understand
the American way.
PRESIDENT PUTIN: I would also offer a couple of words. Today, giving a
rostrum to international terrorists would be equal to giving an
opportunity to -- newspapers of the second world wartimes to an
opportunity to print Dr. Goebbels' articles. This question could be
termed in the following way: What is the limit and what is the measure
of giving an opportunity to the terrorists and destructive element to
use media in pursuit of their anti-human, inhuman, objectives? Let's
look at it this way.
Q: Yes, sir, Mr. President, thank you. If I could return to the
situation in Afghanistan, where the concern seems to be a potential
breakdown in civil order, and a possible dramatic increase in civil
conflict between the tribes in the Northern Alliance and other groups,
which President Putin's country has experience with, what specifically
can be done in the next several days to ensure the safety of the
citizens of Kabul? And does the Northern Alliance, now that they've
taken that city, enjoy pride of place at the bargaining table in the
future of Afghanistan?
PRESIDENT BUSH: There is no preferential place at the bargaining
table. All people will be treated the same. That's what we're working
with our friends, the Russians, on. That's the concept we're working
on with the UN. And that's only fair. That's been the vision all
along. That's been the vision we talked about in Shanghai; it's the
vision we have shared again today.
Secondly, I repeat, the Northern Alliance, with whom President Putin
has got some influence and I've got some influence, has told us both
they have no intention of occupying -- and they said this publicly --
they intend not to occupy Kabul, which is fine. That's the way it
ought to be. And we will continue to work with their commanders. We've
got troops there with their commanders, and we will continue to urge
restraint.
Again, I think before we jump to conclusions, we want to make sure we
understand what the facts are, because the evacuating army has been
one that has held this country -- has terrorized this country for a
long period of time. But any -- regardless of that, any -- any --
army, advancing or retreating, needs to treat people with respect. And
we will continue to work that they do so.
PRESIDENT PUTIN: Well, the thing is that the Northern Alliance did not
take Kabul by storm. The Northern Alliance is looming over -- has been
looming over Kabul for a long time. That was our mutual agreement with
President Bush. And suddenly they discovered, all of a sudden, that
Kabul had been abandoned, and they had to insert their certain
security elements to prevent looting and robberies and murders. There
was complete lawlessness in that city and the situation must be put
under control and it was very difficult. It would be very difficult
for us if we -- to meet with the Northern Alliance leaders to tell
them that they've negated their obligation.
The city of Kabul was abandoned by Taliban. They were trying to
preserve their manpower and their equipment, a very cunning move on
the part of Taliban. Maybe, technically, their decision was right. But
we should not be deluded on that score. Quite a serious amount of work
is still ahead. They did not disappear; they just moved out of the
city a few kilometers from there, and I am absolutely in agreement
with the President on the need to follow the developments with a view
to preventing abuses of human rights and maltreatment of the POWs,
although the line we agreed upon has not been yet reached.
Dear colleagues, the final question. Q Two questions to two
Presidents. Mr. Bush, what is your evaluation of the situation in
Pakistan, which was always in the sphere of influence of the United
States, and whether there are any dangers that the forces up in
opposition to General Musharraf would gain control of the nuclear
weapons?
And to President Putin, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan made available their
airbases and their air corridors to the United States armed forces,
giving the green light. Can you tell us whether you gave a green light
to that? Aren't you apprehensive of the struggle for power and
influence in that area?
PRESIDENT BUSH: I had a very good dinner with President Musharraf last
Saturday night in New York City. It was the first time I had met him.
My Secretary of State had met him in Pakistan, as had my Secretary of
Defense and other officials in my administration. All of us came away
with our respect for President Musharraf and our desire to make sure
that his administration is successful in Pakistan.
The best way to make sure that terrorists do not end up with nuclear
weaponry in that part of the world is for President Musharraf to
provide a stable government and to fulfill what he said he would do,
which is to have elections in a short period of time. And I believe he
is -- he deserves our nation's support, and so we are putting together
an economic package that will help him with debt, help him with the
expenses of the ongoing operations, helping with trade. And we will
continue a dialogue with the Pakistan leader, with the full intent of
finding ways we can cooperate, in order to bring stability to that
part of the world.
Q: With regard to the possible redrawing of the spheres of influence,
and the enhanced American influence in Central Asia, I would like to
say the following: I am more concerned with the presence of the
terrorist training camps in the Northern Afghanistan, who send
guerrillas to the Caucasus -- have been sending in the recent years,
after Ahmad Shah Massoud was killed, I had a very, very sad feeling.
That was prior to September 11th. And I told President Bush at that
time that perhaps some serious developments are in the making. And
this is concerning -- this concerns me very much.
If we look at the relationship between the Russian Federation and the
United States from the old standpoint, distrust and the enmity, that's
one thing. If we are looking through the prism of partnership and
alliance, we have nothing to be afraid of. This is one thing.
Secondly, one shouldn't forget that both Uzbekistan and Tajikistan are
independent states and decide, therefore, in policies independently,
who cooperate with and at which level. But focusing my attention at
the following circumstance, and I related to President Bush quite
frankly. We just mentioned President Musharraf. We all should support
President Musharraf. This would be the right thing to do. And we agree
with this, and we accept this.
It is also true that American flags are being burned in the streets of
the Pakistani cities; one should not leave that unnoticed. In
Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, the Muslim countries, too, American flags
are not being burned. Moreover, those countries cooperate, for the
first time, so openly and so consistently with the United States and
with the international alliance against terrorism. Being Muslim
countries, with their own problems, none of them are squeaking or
crying foul, they are trying to address their own problems on their
own.
And in these conditions, the continued application of Jackson-Vanik
amendment to Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, and so on and so forth, one
wouldn't call it justified and just. We need to, and want to, build a
new relationship in the new 21st century. Thank you very much.
PRESIDENT BUSH: Thank you.
(end White House transcript)
(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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