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American Morning

Putin And Bush Begin Three-Day Summit

Aired November 13, 2001 - 10:07   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: But back in this country, there is more news to talk about. The Russian president, Vladimir Putin, a short time ago, videotaped, in fact, just about 90 seconds ago, did arrive at the White House. We saw him go in. He'll start the first of a three-day summit meeting there, with U.S. President, George Bush.

And at the White House, John King with us this morning. And, first thing's first, John. Topic A, nuclear weapons and a significant announcement from the president today.

JOHN KING, CNN SR. WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: That is right, Bill. We are told that, in the meetings now beginning in the oval office, Mr. Bush will make clear to President Putin that he is prepared to slash, by more than two-thirds, the U.S. strategic nuclear arsenal. The United States now has about 7,000 warheads. We are told Mr. Bush prepared to go roughly in the area of 2,000 warheads, perhaps even a bit lower than that. A significant development in U.S.-Russian relations.

U.S. officials expecting President Putin will, in fact, reciprocate and dramatically -- announce that he is prepared to dramatically slash the Russian arsenal, as well. Of course, missile defense, another subject that will be discussed in this meeting. But, of course, they will discuss the fast-changing, fast-developing situation on the ground in Afghanistan. The United States has been supporting the Northern Alliance, and just moments ago, the White House press secretary, Ari Fleischer, told reporters the president is very pleased.

Obviously some controversy about the Northern Alliance forces going into Kabul. The administration had urged them not to do so. But, Ari Fleischer telling reporters -- quote -- "This is a war. The point of the war is to defeat al Qaeda and the Taliban, which harbors the terrorists." But Mr. Fleischer also making clear that there were what he called -- quote -- "constant reminders" to Northern Alliance troops to respect human rights and to remember that the long-term political goal is a broad-based coalition in Afghanistan to replace the Taliban.

So, on the one hand, the administration celebrating military success. On the other hand, the administration publicly voicing its concern that very military success could complicate the political and diplomatic parts of this war. Bill? HEMMER: All right, John. Thanks. John King at the White House. Momentarily we'll hear from both presidents. We will stay tuned for that from the White House.

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