DATE=10/26/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-S-RUSSIA MISSILES (L-O)
NUMBER=2-255488
BYLINE=DAVID GOLLUST
DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:


INTRO:  The Clinton Administration says it intends to 
pursue dialogue with Russia on a proposed U-S missile-
defense system, despite some tough rhetoric from 
Moscow about the implications of the program.  
Correspondent David Gollust has details from the White 
House.

TEXT:  Talks opened last week in Moscow on possible 
amendments to the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty.  
The amendments are sought by the United States to 
accommodate a limited missile-defense program.

But Russia says it strongly opposes changes in the A-
B-M treaty, which it considers a bedrock of the arms-
control process.  Russia's First-Deputy Defense 
Minister, Nikolai Mikhailov told reporters Monday that 
if the United States went ahead with its program, 
Russia could deploy more offensive weapons to 
overwhelm the defense system.

White House spokesman Joe Lockhart said the Russian 
official's comments miss the point of the U-S missile 
defense program.  He says it is designed to protect 
against a small-scale missile attack from so-called 
rogue states.

Mr. Lockhart said the process will take time and no 
one meeting can resolve the matter.  The proposed 
missile defense program is highly popular in Congress 
and the Administration says it will decide by next 
June whether to deploy a network of advance radars and 
interceptor missiles.

Russian officials have expressed concern that a U-S 
missile defense system -- though nominally aimed 
against rogue states or accidental missile launches -- 
could later be upgraded to a comprehensive system that 
would call into question Russia's nuclear deterrence.

It has gotten support on the issue from China, which 
joined treaty Russia and Belarus last week in 
presenting a U-N resolution opposing any changes in 
the original A-B-M.   (SIGNED)

NEB/DAG/LTD/RAE



26-Oct-1999 12:10 PM EDT (26-Oct-1999 1610 UTC)
NNNN

Source: Voice of America
.