(12 Feb 1998) English/Nat
U-S Defence Secretary William Cohen says differences over the Iraq crisis will not harm Russian-American relations.
In an exclusive interview with Associated Press Television on Thursday morning in Moscow, Cohen said he would be talking about a number of other defence issues during his visit.
William Cohen made an early start Thursday from his hotel in the centre of Moscow.
It's his first visit to the Russian capital as U-S Defence Secretary, and it comes at a crucial time not only for U-S-Russian relations but also for international politics.
In an exclusive interview with Associated Press Television, Cohen outlined what he would be discussing with his Russian counterpart Marshal Igor Sergeyev.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"We're going to take up a variety of issues on our efforts to co-operate in the field of military technology. We're going to talk about the need for ratification of START 2, moving on to START 3. We're going to talk about defence reform, how we are going to be of assistance in sharing our experience with how we have reformed the military. There are a variety of issues which we think will be very productive - stopping the technology going to Iran for the weapons of mass destruction. Those will be the series of issues we will be taking up."
(Q What about Iraq?)
"I'm sure that will come up as part of our conversation. My trip is focusing on the strategic relationship that we have in terms of reducing nuclear weapons, finding ways in which we can share information and work cooperatively."
(Q And do you think Russian-American relations will be spoilt by U-S policy on Iraq?)
"The basis of our relationship is very strong and obviously there will always be differences that we will have in the future, but the strength of the underlying relationship is paramount. Where we have differences, we will work out our differences, but essentially we intend to forge a strong partnership with Russia."
SUPER CAPTION: William Cohen, U-S Defence Secretary
Cohen will lay a wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier in Moscow before holding talks with Russian officials.
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