This treaty does not recognize the present or point us to the future. It enshrines the past. No treaty that prevents us from addressing today's threats, that prohibits us from pursuing promising technology to defend ourselves, our friends and our allies is in our interests, or in the interests of world peace. Russia opposes the U-S missile defense proposal, fearing it would undermine deterrence. Deterrence can no longer be based solely on the threat of nuclear retaliation.
Defenses can strengthen the deterrence by reducing the incentive for proliferation.
In a move aimed at winning Russia's acceptance of the proposed missile shield, the president said he supports unilateral cuts in the U-S nuclear arsenal. He said he is committed to achieving what he called 'a credible deterrent with the lowest possible number of nuclear weapons consistent with national needs and obligations to U-S allies. Earlier Tuesday, Mr. Bush called Russian President Vladimir Putin to brief him on the speech. A day earlier, he discussed missile defense with five NATO leaders. In his address, Mr. Bush said U-S diplomats would travel to Europe and Asia next week to consult with allies, many of whom are also concerned about the missile shield's impact on deterrence.