    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1998, Book I)]
    [May 18, 1998]
    [Pages 802-803]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 802]]

    United States/European Union Declaration on Common Orientation of
    Nonproliferation Policy
    May 18, 1998

    The International Non-Proliferation Regime

        The United States and the Member States of the European Union share
    a strong common interest in non-proliferation of weapons of mass
    destruction and their delivery systems.
        The United States and the European Union support universal adherence
    to international treaties covering weapons of mass destruction,
    including the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, the
    Chemical Weapons Convention, the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention
    and the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. They are cooperating to ensure
    full and effective implementation of these treaties. This includes the
    effective implementation of the recently-strengthened safeguards system
    of the International Atomic Energy Agency and verification procedures
    being implemented pursuant to the Chemical Weapons Convention and the
    Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. They are also working toward agreement on
    an effective Protocol on verification for the Biological and Toxin
    Weapons Convention.
        They are active participants in international export control regimes
    and arrangements:
        --The Nuclear Suppliers Group.
        --The Zangger Committee of countries committed to cooperation in
            interpretation and implementation of the export clause (Article
            III.2) of the Non-Proliferation Treaty.
        --The Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).
        --The Australia Group of suppliers of goods and dual-use equipment
            potentially relevant to chemical or biological weapons.
        Among their other responsibilities, the regimes provide mechanisms
    for the exchange of information about programs and activities of concern
    in the area of weapons proliferation which they address.

    Export Control Policy

        While promoting international trade and opportunities, and
    consistent with other relevant international obligations, the United
    States and the European Union take as a particularly important objective
    the denial of assistance to programs of weapons of mass destruction and
    means of delivery. This includes dual-use goods and technology subject
    to export control. The United States and European Union Member States
    have adopted policies and given guidance to licensing officials to
    prevent any export of controlled goods when they believe they might be
    used in programs of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery
    systems. In this context, they should take into account, inter alia,
    evidence of an importer's prior association with such programs.
        The European Union has adopted a comprehensive legally-binding Dual-
    Use Regime of export controls which contains stringent catch-all
    provisions covering equipment that might be used in or in connection
    with programs of weapons of mass destruction.

    Regions of Proliferation Concern

        The United States and the European Union have discussed regions of
    proliferation concern, including the Middle East and South Asia.
        In this context, the United States and the European Union have
    recently noted their continuing serious concern about efforts by some
    countries in the Middle East and South Asia to acquire missile
    technology and their capability to produce weapons of mass destruction.
    The European Union noted that such concerns should figure into its
    political contacts with these countries, notably Iran.
        The United States and the European Union reaffirmed their support of
    the work of UNSCOM in ensuring Iraq's implementation of UN Security
    Council Resolutions on the elimination of its weapons of mass
    destruction.

    United States-European Union Consultations and Information Exchange

        The United States and the European Union hold regular consultations
    on non-proliferation and will strengthen their close ties in this field.
        The two sides also recognize that effective implementation of export
    controls will be greatly enhanced by the timely exchange of any relevant
    information about programs and activities of concern. To strengthen
    existing cooperation in this area, the two sides have agreed to:

    [[Page 803]]

        --Additional information sharing in their regular meetings;
        --Give further consideration, including the appropriate involvement
            of experts, of proposals to establish improved communications
            and data transmissions relevant to non-proliferation export
            controls. Due consideration will be given to practical aspects
            of this concept.
        --Enhanced bilateral information exchanges.

    Political Action With Suppliers

        The United States and European Union countries have engaged key
    suppliers. Several European leaders and Foreign Ministers have raised
    their concern directly with their Russian counterparts about Russian
    technological assistance to Iran's ballistic missile program. These
    concerns have been reinforced in contacts between the European Union
    troika and Russian counterparts. The United States and European Union
    welcome actions taken by Russia to strengthen its export control regime.
        The United States is open to a trilateral meeting with European
    Union and Russia on non-proliferation issues, but believes that careful
    preparation will be needed for such a meeting to be useful.

    Agenda for Further Cooperation

        The United States and European Union intend to continue working
    closely together to advance their common non-proliferation objectives.
    Some items on the agenda of work in the coming year are:
        --Coordination of export control assistance programs to third
            countries. Exchanges of information about ongoing programs have
            already occurred.
        --Cooperation to improve export control implementation.
        --Consultation to ensure that intangible technology transfers do not
            contribute to proliferation. Ideas in this area have been
            advanced by both sides.
        --Best practice in export control implementation, including
            discussion of means to strengthen verification of end-use and to
            prevent diversion through third countries. Controls of non-
            linked items (catch-all), software and technology.

    Note: This declaration was made available by the Office of the Press
    Secretary on May 18 but was not issued as a White House press release.
    An original was not available for verification of the content of this
    declaration.