    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 23 (Monday, June 12, 2000)]
    [Pages 1279-1280]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Joint Statement on Principles of Strategic Stability

    June 4, 2000

        1. The Presidents of the United States of America and the Russian
    Federation agree on the need to maintain strategic nuclear stability.
    Agreements between them help accomplish this objective.
        2. They are dedicated to the cause of strengthening strategic
    stability and international security. They agree that capability for
    deterrence has been and remains a key aspect of stability and
    predictability in the international security environment.
        3. The Presidents, welcoming the ratification of START-II Treaty and
    related documents by the Russian Federation, look forward to the
    completion of the ratification process in the United States.
        4. They announce that discussions will intensify on further
    reductions in the strategic forces of the United States and Russia
    within the framework of a future START-III Treaty, and on ABM issues, in
    accordance with the Moscow Statement of 1998 and Cologne Statement of
    1999 by the Presidents.
        5. They agree on the essential contribution of the ABM Treaty to
    reductions in offensive forces, and reaffirm their commitment to that
    Treaty as a cornerstone of strategic stability.
        6. They agree that the international community faces a dangerous and
    growing threat of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their
    means of delivery, including missiles and missile technologies, and
    stress their desire to reverse that process, including through existing
    and possible new international legal mechanisms. They agree that this
    new threat represents a potentially significant change in the strategic
    situation and international security environment.
        7. They agree that this emerging threat to security should be
    addressed and resolved through mutual cooperation and mutual respect of
    each other's security interests.
        8. They recall the existing provision of the ABM Treaty to consider
    possible changes in the strategic situation that have a bearing on the
    provisions of the Treaty, and, as appropriate, to consider possible
    proposals for further increasing the viability of the Treaty.
        9. The Presidents reaffirm their commitment to continuing efforts to
    strengthen the ABM Treaty and to enhance its viability and effectiveness
    in the future, taking into account any changes in the international
    security environment.
        10. In reinforcing the effectiveness of the ABM Treaty under present
    and prospective conditions the United States of America and the Russian
    Federation attach great importance to enhancing the viability of the
    Treaty through measures to promote greater cooperation, openness, and
    trust between the sides.
        11. The United States of America and the Russian Federation note the
    importance of the consultative process and reaffirm their determination
    to continue consultations in the future to promote the objectives and
    implementation of the provisions of the ABM Treaty.
        12. The key provisions recorded in our agreements and statements,
    including at the highest level, create a basis for both countries'
    activities regarding strategic arms under present-day conditions.
        13. Such an approach creates confidence that the further
    strengthening of strategic stability and further reductions in nuclear
    forces will be based on a foundation that has been tested over decades
    and advances both countries' interests and security.

    [[Page 1280]]

        14. The Presidents have directed the development of concrete
    measures that would allow both sides to take necessary steps to preserve
    strategic stability in the face of new threats, and called on their
    Ministers and experts to prepare a report for review by the Presidents.
        15. They agree that issues of strategic offensive arms cannot be
    considered in isolation from issues of strategic defensive arms and vice
    versa--an interrelationship that is reflected in the ABM Treaty and aims
    to ensure equally the security of the two countries.
        16. The United States of America and the Russian Federation intend
    to base their activities in the area of strategic offensive and
    defensive arms on the principles set forth in this document.

     Note:  An original was not available for verification of the content of
    this joint statement, which was formally entitled, ``Joint Statement by
    the Presidents of the United States of America and the Russian
    Federation on Principles of Strategic Stability.''