Word: abm
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Dates: during 1980-1989
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...Russian translation of a set of "guidelines" that the two leaders might issue to their negotiators. The guidelines called for a 50% cut in strategic offensive forces, and assurances from both sides that "their strategic defense programs shall be conducted as permitted by, and in full compliance with, the ABM treaty...
...their earlier insistence on an immediate and comprehensive ban on all "space-strike arms," they proposed a package of what they called interim measures: a ban on antisatellite weapons, a ban on "space-to-earth weapons" (such as lasers mounted on orbiting battle stations) and a "strengthening of the ABM treaty." They suggested adding a new protocol to the pact that would prohibit either side from withdrawing for 15 to 20 years...
...Helms will block an appointment even when he favors the nominee. Earlier this year he threatened to hold up confirmation of Major General William F. Burns to head the U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency. The price: a White House promise to submit reports on Soviet compliance with the ABM treaty -- more ammo against the INF treaty. "You use whatever lever you have," shrugs Helms...
...language worked out was both tortured and mushy, just what was needed to defer the dispute to another day. Says Gerasimov: "It means we postponed our quarrels." The negotiators in Geneva were instructed to "work out an agreement that would commit the sides to observe the ABM treaty, as signed in 1972, while conducting their research, development and testing as required, which are permitted by the ABM treaty, and not to withdraw from the ABM treaty for a specified period of time." Behind the convoluted language lies a compromise that allows the two leaders to take opposed positions...
Moreover, given the still preliminary state of the program, Reagan has little need to violate the narrow interpretation right away. Having won the President's commitment not to withdraw from the ABM treaty, the Soviets are content to wait and deal with the next President on the question of what the treaty means. Yet it would be a mistake to assume that they have totally delinked SDI from the question of strategic arms reductions. In his Friday press conference, Reagan flatly stated that Star Wars now offers "no impediment" to a START agreement. That view, however, was openly disputed...