30 May 2001
Nato snubs Powell over missile defence
by Richard Norton-Taylor, The Guardian

Reflecting the deep shared concern, Nato foreign ministers meeting in Budapest agreed only to "continue substantive discussions" with Washington. A surprisingly sharp communique added that the allies "intend to pursue these consultations vigorously, and welcome the United States' assurance that the views of allies will be taken into account as it considers its
plans further". France and Germany, in particular, resisted attempts by Colin Powell, the US secretary of state, to win backing for the missile project.

Despite a recent diplomatic charm offensive by senior US officials, the prevailing view among allies is that there is little evidence that a hugely expensive missile defence system would work. They say it could dismantle existing arms control agreements and lead to a new arms race. They also believe it is better to engage with rogue states such as Iran and North Korea - although not Iraq.

This is the view of the British foreign secretary, Robin Cook, although Britain has privately told the US that it understands why it is concerned about any potential missile attack.

In a minor concession, Mr Powell persuaded foreign ministers to omit from the joint statement any mention of the 1972 anti-ballistic missile (ABM) treaty which the Bush administration describes as a "relic of the cold war". Nato ministers last year called it "the cornerstone of strategic stability".

The US also diluted Nato's official position on the comprehensive test ban treaty which the US has not ratified. Yesterday's communique said only that so long as the treaty has not entered into force, Nato must urge all states to maintain the existing ban on nuclear testing.

On the lack of enthusiasm for missile defence, Mr Powell said later: "I think I can safely say that there is a recognition there's a threat out there. Some people see it as more immediate than others".
He said he hoped to win over more Nato allies. However, European diplomats say the chances of any significant movement on the missile issue in time for the Nato summit on June 13, which Mr Bush plans to attend, are slight. 

Nato's stance could derail President Bush's attempt to bring the Russians onside by offering to buy Russian S300 surface-to-air missiles. Such missiles, he has suggested, could be used in a defensive shield for Russia and Europe. Meanwhile, the US would offer military help to upgrade Russia's early warning radars and participation in joint anti-missile exercises.

Lord Robertson, Nato's secretary general, told the Budapest meeting that Europe must shoulder a greater burden in the maintenance of security. However, the EU's attempts to reach a deal with Nato on a rapid-reaction force of 60,000 troops remain blocked by Turkey's insistence that it must have a full say in the EU's use of assets. Turkey is a key member of Nato but is not in the EU.

Javier Solana, the EU's top foreign policy and security negotiator, told the Nato meeting that he was moderately optimistic about reaching a deal with politicians in Macedonia to stave off a collapse of the national unity government. The meeting condemned "extremist" violence in Macedonia, and reaffirmed support for a "firm but flexible" government. Lord Robertson described the rebels as "a band of armed thugs".