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Rumsfeld, Ivanov Discuss Nuclear Review, Terrorism
Thursday, March 14, 2002
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

"I thanked him for Russia's strong support and for the effort to root out terrorist networks that threaten our people and our way of life," Rumsfeld said. "That cooperation is certainly a symbol of what is possible between our countries."

WASHINGTON -- AFIS
U.S. and Russian defense leaders met reporters today and stressed progress the two countries have made in putting decades of mistrust behind them.

Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov conferred at the Pentagon and faced the press March 12-13. Ivanov also met with President Bush March 12 and will meet with Secretary of State Colin Powell before returning to Moscow.

Rumsfeld and Ivanov discussed the U.S. Nuclear Posture Review. In the past week, press reports have alleged that classified versions of the review have the United States targeting Russia and other countries with nuclear weapons. Rumsfeld said the congressionally mandated Nuclear Posture Review is not an operational planning document.

"It sets out prudent requirements for deterrence in the 21st century," he said at today's press conference. "Without getting into the details, I can say the report says nothing about targeting any country with nuclear weapons. The United States targets no country on a day-to- day basis."

Rumsfeld said officials in the Russian Federation were briefed on the review in January. Ivanov was briefed personally, he added.

"President Bush and President (Vladimir) Putin have said many times the United States and Russia are no longer adversaries," Rumsfeld said. "It is true. Both Minister Ivanov and I have reaffirmed that in meetings the past few days."
(More: DoD News Source)
2002 © The United States Department of Defense.

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