Word: abm
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...Rice said the U.S. wants to avoid being perceived as violating the ABM treaty. And that forms the basis of the Russian game plan. Washington made clear that a robust testing plan for a missile defense system will begin shortly. They won't get into the semantics of when they'll violate the terms of the 1972 treaty, but it's clear that they will. The Russians may be waiting for that phase to begin, and to then denounce the U.S. as the violator of treaties...
...Both sides insist that they are not negotiating, merely holding "consultations." The Russians are insisting that they've never said the ABM treaty can't be modernized. Rice says Washington doesn't believe in tinkering with a 30-year old treaty, which is what the Russians want. But most good, independent Russian arms control experts say that no matter how much the treaty is modernized, the ABM treaty is by its very definition an obstacle to National Missile Defense...
When the Bush team took power, so intense was the desire for a missile shield that the only question seemed to be, Should we tear up the ABM treaty now or wait and do it in Putin's face? Five months later, officials gush about how "constructive" Putin has been on missile defense. As Europe's opposition stiffened, a meeting with Putin became a priority. "There was nothing to be gained by keeping Russia at a distance," says an aide. "We're more likely to work out our differences if we build up a decent relationship...
...Time: The Bush Administration has shown contempt for the Kyoto environment accord, the OECD effort to curb tax havens, the abm treaty and the biological weapons deal. Are there perils in this approach? Solana: It is impossible for the U.S. to abandon its responsibilities. I am sure it will continue to engage in a good tone with the Europeans. In the coming week these things will become clear...
...Time: But Europe does have real concerns about the U.S. stance on the abm treaty, for instance. Solana: We want to talk about all the questions related to deterrence in the 21st century. We have to talk about the Kyoto Protocol, that is very important for the Europeans. We have some questions pertaining to trade, European defense and security identity, but all those can be solved through dialogue. I'm sure we'll find a good wavelength to continue working together...