Press Release (2001)177 13 Dec. 2001

Statement by the Secretary General of NATO, Lord Robertson Today, President Bush announced that the United States of America is withdrawing from the 1972 Anti Ballistic Missile Treaty between the United States and the then Soviet Union. In line with its commitment to maintain close consultations with Allies, the United States briefed the North Atlantic Council this afternoon. The United States explained that today's decision is in the context of the development of appropriate means to counter new security challenges and terrorist threats such as weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery. NATO welcomes the pledge of the United States of America to develop a new framework of cooperation with Russia to enhance stability and re-inforce cooperation on security issues, including dramatic reductions in strategic nuclear weapons. We look forward to continuing our close consultations on these issues.

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