DATE=8/20/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=RUSSIA / U-S (L ONLY)
NUMBER=2-252967
BYLINE=PETER HEINLEIN
DATELINE=MOSCOW
CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO:  An influential Russian general has accused the 
United States of dictating terms to Russia on proposed 
changes in the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile treaty.  V-
O-A's Peter Heinlein in Moscow reports Colonel-General 
Leonid Ivashov (pronounced Ee-va- SHWAFF) suggested U-
S arrogance could doom a new round of strategic arms 
talks.

TEXT:  General Ivashov says a just-completed 
preliminary round of U-S/Russia talks on a START-Three 
arms control treaty yielded nothing.

///  IVASHOV ACT ONE - IN RUSSIAN - FADE UNDER  ///

He says, "There were  no  results".

General Ivashov -- the director of the Defense 
Ministry's International Cooperation department -- 
also told reporters the United States' attempt to 
modify the A-B-M treaty is threatening to upset the 
entire arms control process.

///  IVASHOV ACT TWO - IN RUSSIAN - FADE UNDER  ///

He says, "Our approach is that the 1972 treaty is the 
basis for all subsequent arms agreements.  So diluting 
it means disrupting the whole concept of nuclear 
deterrence."

At a news conference Friday, the Russian general 
accused the United States of violating the A-B-M 
accord, then demanding changes through heavy handed 
and unfair negotiating tactics.

///  IVASHOV ACT THREE - IN RUSSIAN - FADE UNDER  ///

He says, "First, the decision is made to start work, 
money is appropriated, contracts are let for research 
and development, all in violation of the A-B-M treaty.  
Then Russia is faced with an accomplished fact and 
invited to agree to modify the agreement."

General Ivashov's comments echo those of Grigory 
Berdennikov, head of Russia's team at this week's 
preliminary talks.  Mr. Berdennikov on Thursday said 
the request to amend the A-B-M treaty could touch off 
a new nuclear arms race in space.

The accord bans anti-missile systems, but the United 
States has suggested changes to allow a so-called 
"limited shield" designed to protect against a small-
scale nuclear attack, such as might be launched by a 
terrorist group or a rogue state.

The United States argues such a small system would  
not  affect the balance of forces because it would  be 
worthless against a massive attack, such as Russia is 
capable of launching.

Russian officials at first suggested that they might 
pull out of the arms negotiating process to protest U-
S tactics.  But despite the strong rhetoric, a 
spokesman Friday confirmed that the official level 
talks will continue next month in Washington.  
(Signed)

NEB/PFH/JWH/KL



20-Aug-1999 14:07 PM EDT (20-Aug-1999 1807 UTC)
NNNN

Source: Voice of America
.