DATE=05/18/2002

TYPE=EDITORIAL

NUMBER=0-09890

TITLE=EDITORIAL: UNITED STATES AND RUSSIA

INTERNET=Yes

CONTENT=THIS EDITORIAL IS BEING RELEASED FOR USE BY ALL SERVICES.

Anncr: Next, an editorial reflecting the views of the United States Government:

Voice: The United States and Russia have agreed to a treaty which will substantially reduce their strategic nuclear warheads to an agreed upon range of one-thousand seven-hundred to two-thousand two-hundred. President George W. Bush said, "This treaty will liquidate the legacy of the Cold War." It will begin a new era of U.S.-Russian relationships that, as Mr. Bush put it, "will be a period of enhanced mutual security, economic security, and improved relations."

A year ago, President George W. Bush called for this new relationship with Russia. One based not on a nuclear balance of terror but on common responsibilities and interests. The two countries are determined to counter the increasing threat of terrorist acquisition of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons, and the means to deliver them.

Now, a major reduction in nuclear arms is in sight. And the U.S. and Russia are cooperating on a range of other issues, including the fight against terrorism. The removal of the remnants of the terrorist infrastructure in Afghanistan remains a high priority. Afghanistan is entering the most significant political period since the December inauguration of Hamid Karzai as leader of the Afghan interim authority. Preparations are underway for holding the Loya Jirga, and the creation of a new government.

The U.S. and Russia are also discussing ways of assuring security in the regions adjoining Afghanistan, particularly Central Asia. One way to help ensure stability in Central Asia is to stop the illicit trafficking of narcotics, which mainly comes from Afghanistan. There is also a continuing need to assist the government of Georgia in developing capabilities to counter terrorism.

President Bush will go to Moscow on May 23rd, where he will sign the new nuclear arms treaty with Russia. He said that his trip will be "the culmination of a lot of months of hard work, and a relationship built on mutual trust." The agreement, said President Bush, will "make the world more peaceful, and put behind us the Cold War for once and all."

As President George W. Bush said, "We're working together...to establish a new spirit of cooperation and trust so that we can work together to make the world more peaceful."

Anncr: That was an editorial reflecting the views of the United States Government. If you have a comment, please write to Editorials, V-O-A, Washington, D-C, 20237, U-S-A. You may also comment at www-dot-ibb-dot-gov-slash-editorials, or fax us at (202) 619-1043.