Fischer Sees Hope for US-Russian Accommodation on NMD

German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer said Wednesday that there is a "real chance" for cooperation between the United States and Russia on the US national missile defense system despite Russian concerns that it would trigger a nuclear arms race, the Associated Press reported.

Fischer told a group of American reporters that it is important for Russia to see that the US deployment of a missile defense strengthens nuclear stability and does not weaken it.

He said that if Russia cannot persuade the Bush administration to drop the plan, "the best thing is to cooperate with the United States, and that there be a climate of cooperation and not confrontation."

"There is a chance to have a productive approach with the Russian side," he added.

Fischer met with Secretary of State Colin Powell on Tuesday and planned meetings later Wednesday with Robert Zoellick, the administration's top trade official.

The Bush administration believes a missile defense is necessary primarily to guard against possible attacks by countries such as North Korea and Iran, AP said.

Moscow is worried that the shield could be used to protect the United States from Russia's nuclear arsenal in violation of the 1972 Antiballistic Missile Treaty. Moscow sees that treaty as a cornerstone of disarmament.

On other subjects, Fischer said:

-- He received assurances from Powell that the United States has no intention of withdrawing unilaterally from the Balkans. Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright had strongly urged the new administration to keep a U.S. military presence in the region.

Fischer said it is too early to say whether the Bush administration sees the Balkans in the same way as the previous administration. He said this is the first time in decades that the Balkans have a chance for a sustainable peace.

-- There is no cause for concern that U.S. and European differences about a proposal to create an all-European defense force will weaken NATO. "There are tensions," he said. "Tell me a time when there were no tensions in NATO. ... I'm not concerned about the future of the alliance -- so long as everyone is willing to put their fears and concerns on the table."

-- He was "really impressed" with Powell's ideas for getting Iraq to comply with U.N. Security Council arms control resolutions. He declined to take a stand on the U.S.-British airstrikes Friday near Baghdad.

-- Iran's development of weapons of mass destruction is a " major concern and should be stopped." He said his government is working hard to expand the existing democratic opening in Iran.

-- He told Russia to be more relaxed about NATO enlargement, pointing to the results of adding Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic to the alliance two years ago. "Where is the threat for Russian security?" he asked.

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