Press Release (2000) 082 1 Sept. 2000

Statement by the Secretary General of NATO The decision of the United States to continue testing and development of a limited National Missile Defence system, while reserving judgment on eventual deployment, appears to be a prudent course of action that balances the many factors involved in this issue. At every stage, the United States has consulted extensively at NATO about its assessment of ballistic missile threats, the options it is considering for a National Missile Defence system, and the implications for arms control and nuclear deterrence. These are complex issues and I believe all NATO Allies have benefitted from these exchanges. I know the United States intends to continue with such consultations in the future and I welcome that commitment to maintaining an open and constructive dialogue within NATO.

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