01 June 2001

Rumsfeld, Rice Discuss Policy Threats and Challenges

By Jacquelyn S. Porth
Washington File Security Affairs Writer

Washington -- President Bush's two top national security affairs advisers addressed delegates at a CNN Conference June 1 about foreign policy issues driving news headlines around the world in Asia, Africa, Europe, the Americas and the Middle East.

National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice said she was "the high priestess of arms control" during the Cold War era when arms control agreements and associated summits "were a way that the world could avoid the apocalypse." Like many others in that period, she said, she "eagerly anticipated those breathtaking moments of summitry where the centerpiece was always the signing of the latest arms control agreement" and for a few brief moments the world took comfort in the seeing "the superpowers affirm their peaceful intent."

The former Soviet specialist said, "arms control was a poor substitute for a real shared agenda based on common aspirations, but it was the best way any one could think of to manage the balance of terror." Those arms control regimes were useful for that time, Rice said, but now "we must deal with ... today's threats, including weapons of mass destruction and missiles in the hands of states that would blackmail us and keep us from coming to the aid of our friends and allies."

The elements of the Cold War arms control regimes worth keeping will be kept, she said, declaring, "those arms control ideas or treaties that respond to today's realities and build tomorrow's security we will advance and support."

Rice said the United States needs to work with its allies and friends including Russia and China "to build a new foundation for peace and security in the 21st century." Dealing with the current threats requires a comprehensive strategy, she said, "that includes strengthened non-proliferation and counter-proliferation measures because there has been some leakage and failures associated with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty regime and the Missile Technology Control Regime." She also addressed the need for a new concept of deterrence that includes defenses and a smaller nuclear arsenal. It is important to bring nuclear reductions to the table, she added.

Rice also said "we need a normal relationship with Russia" based on issues such a trade and common values such as a free press and freedom of religion, rather than one based on distrust and vulnerability. "We cannot cling to the old order," the adviser said, because the strategic world of the past has been turned upside down.

Pointing the way ahead, Rice said "we must be free to defend our people, our forces, and our allies with missile defenses. All responsible states should have the right to do so." The theme of this argument is part of the dialogue now taking place with European and Asian allies and friends, she said, as well as with Russia, China and the U.S. Congress. "Across the board, the conversation is proving to be substantive, respectful and educational for all sides," the official added.

Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, who also addressed conference delegates, underlined the administration's argument that "proliferation is pervasive." Like Rice, he said, "I don't think vulnerability is a (viable) policy." A way must be found to deal with the weapons that are proliferating, he added.