25 Oct. 2001

High-level briefing on missile defence In the wake of the previous weekend's talks between US President George Bush and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Shanghai, China, NATO ambassadors were updated on US plans for a missile defence shield at a high-level briefing at NATO headquarters on 25 October. US Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Policy, Jack Dyer Crouch, and the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control, Lucas Fischer, gave a report of discussions with Russia concerning the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile treaty, which will be impacted by the US project, and on the possibility to agree a new strategic framework. While stressing the United States' commitment to proceeding with the missile defence plans, the US officials also emphasised the importance of gaining the support of NATO Allies and other countries, particularly Russia.