DATE=10/09/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=U-S / NATO (S-UPDATE)

NUMBER=2-308431

BYLINE=MEREDITH BUEL

DATELINE=PENTAGON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

/// UPDATES CR 2-308423 ///

INTRO: NATO Secretary General George Robertson says Russia regards the alliance, not as an offensive military organization, but as a partner. The remarks came during a meeting of NATO defense ministers in the U-S state of Colorado. Correspondent Meredith Buel reports from the Pentagon.

TEXT: On the final day of their two-day meeting, NATO officials discussed with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov a recent statement released by his country's defense ministry.

The document said Russia may undergo a radical reconstruction of military planning, including changes in nuclear strategy, if NATO retains what Moscow sees as its "offensive military doctrine."

NATO Secretary General George Robertson says the Russian defense minister regards the alliance as a partner.

/// ROBERTSON ACT ///

He, himself, this morning personally said that these reports are not accurate. They don't regard NATO as being an offensive organization. They regard NATO as being a partner to Russia.

/// END ACT ///

NATO members are seeking to improve relations with Moscow as part of the effort to reposition the alliance to counter terrorism and the spread of weapons of mass destruction. (SIGNED)

NEB/MB/TW/KL