27 October 2000 State's Holum Witnesses Slovak Missile Reduction U.S. Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security John D. Holum was in Novaky, Slovakia, October 27 to witness the destruction of Slovakia's inventory of SS-23 missiles, launchers, and related support equipment. He congratulated the government for its "commitment to transparency" in following through with the decision to destroy the weapons and that the United States was grateful to be able to assist in the effort. He noted that Slovakia had no legal obligation to destroy the missiles, but that the move sends "an unmistakable message about the positive changes in Slovakia and Central Europe" and is "a huge contribution" to improving European security. Following is a transcript of Holum's remarks: Novaky, Slovakia October 27, 2000 Remarks by U.S. Under Secretary of State for Arms Control And International Security John D. Holum On behalf of the United States, I would like to congratulate Slovakia on following through with its decision to destroy SS-23 missiles, launchers, and related support equipment. In particular, I want to thank Defense Minister Kanis for his leadership in this important event. The United States is grateful that it could assist Slovakia in this effort. You have confirmed that these outdated weapons have no place in the security structure of a democratic Europe. U.S.-Slovakia cooperation in this effort is yet another sign of our shared nonproliferation goals, and of the strong and deepening relations between our two countries. Halting the spread of weapons of mass destruction and the missiles that deliver them is one of President Clinton's highest national security priorities. When Mr. Kanis and I discussed the SS-23 issue in Washington last year, I was very impressed with the quality of the dialogue. This is testament to the current Slovak government's demonstrated commitment to being a responsible member of the international community and a contributor to regional security. Your government's commitment to transparency in the destruction of these weapons, as exemplified by today's event, sends an unmistakable message about the positive changes in Slovakia and Central Europe. The U.S. has serious interests in eliminating this type of missile from Central and Eastern Europe. When the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty was signed in 1987, we expected that it would achieve the destruction of an entire class of weapons, including SS-23s. Slovakia is not party to the treaty and had no legal obligation to destroy these missiles. But it has chosen to do so. Slovakia has thus made a huge contribution toward realizing the goals of the INF Treaty, and to improving European security. Slovakia's elimination of its SS-23 missiles is a strong signal of its commitment to missile nonproliferation. These steps are consistent with the international standards to which Slovakia has adhered unilaterally since 1994. The destruction of these missiles also eliminates the possibility that they or their related equipment and technology may find their way to proliferation programs elsewhere, and sets a powerful example for countries throughout the world. By joining other countries in the region in eliminating ballistic missiles capable of delivering weapons of mass destruction, Slovakia's actions promote confidence and enhance regional security. I also want to note that the talented and dedicated officers of the 5th Missile Regiment and the Slovak Verification Center, and the expert technicians of the Military Repair Plants at Novaky and Trencin, have contributed to our understanding of how to destroy these kinds of weapons in a safe, environmentally sound way. Our team has been impressed by their professionalism and has appreciated their cooperation at every stage in this effort. Once again, I congratulate Slovakia on its excellent work in successfully eliminating its SS-23 missiles and related support equipment. Through the concrete steps Slovakia has taken, you've set a powerful example for all nations of the international community. (Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov) Return to the Washington File