*EPF109 03/11/2002
Defense Dept. Refuses Comment on Leaked Nuclear Weapons Review
(Says U.S. continues to plan for contingencies as a deterrence strategy) (340)

Responding to news reports March 9 based on leaked copies of a secret Defense Department review of U.S. nuclear weapons plans, the department refused comment on details, but said the review was the latest in a long series conducted ever since nuclear weapons were first developed.

In a March 9 statement, DoD said it continues to plan for contingencies and threats, in order to deter attacks on the United States and its allies.

Following is the text of the DoD statement:

(begin text)

U.S. Department of Defense
March 9, 2002

STATEMENT ON NUCLEAR POSTURE REVIEW

We will not discuss the classified details of military planning or contingencies, nor will we comment on selective and misleading leaks.

The Nuclear Posture Review is required by law. It is a wide-ranging analysis of the requirements for deterrence in the 21st century. This review of the U.S. nuclear posture is the latest in a long series of reviews since the development of nuclear weapons. It does not provide operational guidance on nuclear targeting or planning.

The Department of Defense continues to plan for a broad range of contingencies and unforeseen threats to the United States and its allies. We do so in order to deter such attacks in the first place.

Of particular significance in the new Nuclear Posture Review is President Bush's decision to reduce operationally deployed strategic nuclear weapons by two-thirds, a decision made possible by the new strategic relationship with Russia.

This administration is fashioning a more diverse set of options for deterring the threat of WMD. That is why the Administration is pursuing missile defense, advanced conventional forces, and improved intelligence capabilities.

A combination of offensive and defensive, and nuclear and non-nuclear capabilities is essential to meet the deterrence requirements of the 21st century.

For more information, see the Nuclear Posture Review foreword and the Jan. 9 DoD news briefing transcript and accompanying briefing slides.

(end text)

(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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