Russian President Vladimir Putin said he and President George W. Bush "made some progress" on the 1972 ABM treaty in Sunday talks but reiterated support for the accord Washington wants to scrap to build a missile shield Moscow opposes.
During a joint press conference after their first meeting since last month's terror strikes on the United States, Putin also expressed skepticism of Bush's view that the attacks made building such a defense all the more important.
"The events of September 11 make it clearer than ever that a Cold War ABM treaty that prevents us from defending our people is outdated and, I believe, dangerous," said Bush.
"It would be difficult for me to agree with some terrorists will be able to capture intercontinental missiles and will be able to use them," said Putin, who renewed support for the US-led global war on terror.
"His action was measured and adequate to the threat," he said, referring to military strikes on Afghanistan's Taliban rulers for refusing to hand over suspected terrorist mastermind Osama bin Laden.
"Second, and it is very important for everybody to know, if we started fighting terrorism it should be completed. Because, otherwise, terrorists might have an impression that they are not vulnerable," the Russian leader said.
Despite lingering disagreements over what has become the biggest irritant to Russo-US ties, the two leaders suggested they were closer to a deal that may be finalized during a November summit in Washington and at Bush's Texas ranch.
"I believe we do have understanding that we can reach agreement, taking into account national interests of Russia, United States, and take into account the necessity to strengthen international stability," said Putin.
"We discussed significantly lowering offensive nuclear weapon arsenals within a framework that includes limited defenses, defenses that are able to protect both our lands from political blackmail, from potential terrorist attack," the US president said after the 90-minute exchange.
The two leaders, who agreed to link mutual arms reductions to the debate over the Anti-Ballistic Missile treaty at their second meeting after a July Group of Eight summit, did not elaborate what progress they had made.
A senior administration official said after the exchange that they did not discuss figures or a deadline after which Bush would have to give the six months' notice required to withdraw from the accord.
While Bush declared the treaty "outmoded and outdated," Putin said it "is an important element of stability in the world."
But "We should look into the future, and we should react adequately to possible threats in the future. And we are prepared to discuss that with our American partners," Putin added.
"Well, we've got work to do between now and Crawford (Texas, site of Bush's ranch). And I look forward to continuing to work with him," said Bush -- SHANGHAI (AFP)
© 2001 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
