#8
Nezavisimaya Gazeta
November 14, 2001
GEORGE BUSH: I WOULD BE HONORED TO VISIT MOSCOW
Russian journalists interview President George W. Bush
Author: Andrei Shchitov
[from WPS Monitoring Agency, www.wps.ru/e_index.html]
PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH: "SINCE I BECAME PRESIDENT, I'VE BEEN REPEATING THAT RUSSIA IS NO LONGER OUR ENEMY. THIS IS THE START OF A POSITIVE RELATIONSHIP, AS IT SEEMS TO ME." THE PRESIDENT DISCUSSES HIS FORTHCOMING TALKS WITH PRESIDENT PUTIN AND THE US-RUSSIA RELATIONSHIP IN GENERAL.
On the eve of President Vladimir Putin's first official visit to the United States, President George W. Bush granted an interview in the White House to Russian journalists.
George Bush: Since our first meeting I've been convinced that President Putin and I can not only come to a personal mutual understanding, but also start joint joint efforts to eliminate relics of the Cold War. This is important; during the Cold War our relationship was reduced to the fact that we simply disliked each other, were enemies. Since I became president, I've been repeating that Russia is no longer our enemy. This is the start of a positive relationship, as it seems to me. Our relationship should be based on what our partner really is. Russia is our partner in the fight against terrorism, a partner with whom we work on nonproliferation, and a partner that can become our friend. It is in this light that I view the evolution of this relationship. Certainly, it is impossible to overcome the historic legacy of past years in one meeting. Therefore we are conducting a series of meetings. I think at the upcoming meeting you'll witness the progress in the field of foundation of mature relations. This will answer America's interests, Russia's interests, and, which is no less important, interests of peace throughout the world.
Question: Now many media are saying that a compromise on the issues of START treaties and the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) treaty of 1972 may be worked out. Is this compromise possible?
Bush: We are ready to cut our arsenals (of strategic nuclear warheads - ed.). I'll reveal the figures first to President Putin and then to the American people. Let them hear it directly from me, not at third-hand. I made this promise during my election campaign and I'll fulfill it. We'll reduce weapons down to a level sufficient to maintain peace, but at the same time so low that the world will be able to see that the Cold War is over. There will be a concrete order of figures that I will propose. He will apparently make some reciprocal decisions too, but I intend to slash our weapons regardless of this. This is just correct for America. As for defense systems, I've long been explaining my point of view to President Putin and he whole world. Essentially the previous treaty was saying: we are enemies, we don't trust each other and therefore need treaties... Now we are not enemies anymore. And we need to gain mutual trust. And the ABM treaty is obsolete, since it hinders the US to conduct research and explorations of arms systems actually reflecting the true threats of the 21st century. The main threat for us and for Russia is ... that someone will create mass destruction weapons. If Afghani Talibs created mass destruction weapons, I think this would shift the balance of forces in this region. I think our countries are interested is having a chance to intercept such weapons and prevent their usage against us. I say "us" because I see mutual profit in it.
Am I ready to exchange information with friends? Certainly. Besides, or NATO it is necessary to look at its relations with Moscow in a new way. I think we should aspire to such a situation when NATO would cooperate with Russia on such issues as nonproliferation or combating terrorism. The whole world is interested in it... Thus, if we have new relations, let them spread on the great organization providing stability in Europe too. In my opinion, this will reinforce stability in Europe if Russia develops a unique new relationship with NATO...
Question: Do you mean that Russia will be able to play a decision-making role in NATO?
Bush: This means a consultative role that may evolve. This means that we are ready to consider all options, and we recognize that a unique relationship between Russia and NATO is in the interests of world peace. I didn't go into details, and won't do so, and President Putin and I will not do so. It is not my role to conduct unilateral negotiations with the Russians. My role is to support the concept that Russia should be treated as a friend, and this should be reflected in our institutions.
Question: Is codification necessary?
Bush: For offensive weapons, I think it is. Undoubtedly, certain monitoring procedures are necessary, and besides, it is necessary to codify the level of arms reduction. Perhaps we'll codify defensive systems, depending on how things go in this field. I'm open for discussion on various approaches to our new relationship. You'll see some agreements being adopted. They will explain our objectives, our goals. There will be enough papers to read. We are signing a joint communique. Thus, these won't be "paperless" relations. But I'd like to note that negotiations on offensive weapons used to be delayed for a long time. And now we get on wonderfully with President Putin, maybe because we're people of action. We take things up and do them for the welfare of both our countries.
Question: Russia and the US have been allies in wartime. You've told us how they may be allies in peacetime. What is you administration prepared to do to make Russians feel that they are actually treated as allies and friends, to feel some results after so many years of difficult reforms?
Bush: First, we are conducting a war against a common enemy. I was talking about peaceful relations, but we are involved in a war now against terrorism and collaborate with each other at the same time. This strengthens the world. We do it in different ways, i.e. exchange information. I've had long conversations with Vladimir Putin about Afghanistan, about his idea of post-Talib Afghanistan, and about material support of our allies directly in that country. These were very constructive conversations and their results will let us war more effectively. The Russian benefit will benefit from it too. The declaration on combating terrorism is useful for all peaceful people.
Second, Russia is a great country with wonderful resources, as I've said many times already. The best of these resource is people and their intellectual capacities. Since Russia makes wise decisions in its domestic politics, e.g. stabilizes he power of law, creates conditions for the market, etc., I'm convinced Russians will feel the benefits of the economic recovery and growth. I understand that this decision is the business of Russians themselves. And President Putin often faces a difficult choice. For instance, he decided to reform the Tax Code, introduced a flat tax rate; many people have been talking about it in the US, but haven't done it. He did it, and this is a wise policy for me. In my opinion, the country is beginning to feel beneficiary results of wise decisions of this Russian leader. You're asking about a profit. We have exchange programs with the Economic Development and Trade Ministry and the Justice Ministry. We are seeking ways of increasing American investments in the Russian economy. The US secretary of energy is going to Russia to start a gigantic energy project, apparently the largest investment project in your history. And people will benefit from all this...
Russians are ready to restore high-tech branches in their country by means of their intellectual resources. Of course, this will require people's readiness to develop the spirit of business undertakings and the exchange of ideas. We are ready for this exchange. By the way, I've talked with the Russian president about conducting a large-scale symposium on activities of media. We will invite Russian journalists in order to exchange opinions about how can the active press be integrated into he Russian society. In this connection I'd like to note that the reduction of mutual hostility is mutually useful too. This helps the society develop in a more stable way. We also are ready to cooperate with Russia about its entering the World Trade Organization... This is profitable for Russians too.
Question: What do you think is the role of the economy in the cause of fighting terrorism?
Bush: As for investment, it depend on market conditions. This is not just a standard of profit, but also ventures... As long as Russia is growing and learning to make wise decisions, more and more money will be invested in its economy. Money will be invested not only in natural resources... Don Evans, my close friend, who will also be a guest at my ranch, has told me how fortunate entrepreneurs work in Russia. Such examples attract capital too.
Question: Are satisfied with the extent of the Russian-American cooperation about Afghanistan? Do you think there will be any complications regarding such issues as the fate of Kabul and the future government?
Bush: I had a very good conversation with President Putin about Afghanistan in Shanghai. We've also discussed this topic in detail by phone... He made a lot of helpful remarks about our efforts. He gave some useful advice about tribes of the Northern Alliance. We also talked about Kabul. The president is aware that for the stable future in Afghanistan all sides should be represented in the post-Talib government... This proves his clear understanding of that country. As far as Kabul is concerned, the Russian president is well aware of the significance of this city. He is aware that after the liberation the city should be "multi-tribal" - that's the word. I'm satisfied with our progress in Afghanistan. Russians have been actively discussing the strategy with us and have been consulting us about the best ways of delivering supplies to Afghanistan. Successes of the Northern Alliance are impressive. I will assure President Putin that we'll reach the end, we'll fulfill our task. This task is destruction of Al- Qaida and the government covering it... We won't relax until we gain our aim. And it seems to me that Putin understands me. After the war that country shouldn't threaten its enemies and export heroin. It will be stable. Vladimir Putin gives some advice on Afghanistan. He has though a lot about it. And I'll listen to him attentively and take these consultations very seriously. I trust his opinions. We have good relations...
Question: Are you already thinking about a return visit to Moscow?
Bush: Yes, we are thinking about it already, but let's first complete this visit. I'd go there gladly. This would be an honor for me. It would be an interesting trip.
(Translated by Kirill Frolov)
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