Return to Transcripts main page

CNN Live Today

Bush, Putin Agree on Nuclear Arms Reduction Treaty

Aired May 13, 2002 - 11:09   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.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: President Bush says that the United States and Russia have agreed on a nuclear arms reduction treaty to be signed this month in Moscow. Mr. Bush made this announcement this morning on his way to the presidential helicopter, Marine One.

Our Kelly Wallace is with the president who is in Chicago today -- Kelly, good morning.

KELLY WALLACE, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you, Daryn.

The president coming here to Chicago to talk about welfare reform. But, of course, he made most of the news of this day before leaving the White House. The president's announcement, really taking reporters a bit by surprise.

U.S. and Russian officials have all along said they were very optimistic there would be an agreement in time for President Bush's visit to Russia later next week. While the president coming out saying the U.S. and Russia have struck a deal to dramatically reduce their nuclear offensive weapons. The president hailing this as a way for Russia and the United States to finally put the Cold War behind the two countries once and for all.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: This treaty will liquidate the legacy of the Cold War. When I sign the treaty with President Putin in Russia, we will begin the new era of U.S.-Russian relationships, and that's important. The new era will be a period of enhanced mutual security, economic security and improved relations.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WALLACE: Now both countries agreeing to reduce their nuclear offensive weapons by two-thirds, currently in the range of about 5,000 to 6,000 nuclear warheads. They will slash that from about 1,700 to 2,200 nuclear warheads. Both sides giving a little bit.

The Russians had wanted a treaty all along. The U.S. wanting something a bit more informal. The U.S. agreeing it will be a treaty. And, also, the Russians agreeing to have some of these warheads stored and some destroyed. The U.S. wanted to store some of these in the event of any global emergency. The Russians were balking at that, but in the end they agreed. And, Daryn, the president really hailing this again as a new relationship between the two countries, and a sign of his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Kelly, it kind of looks like a place where you'd store warheads where you are. Where are you exactly?

WALLACE: Very good question. We are at a warehouse, a UPS warehouse here in Chicago. The president talking about welfare reform. That was to be his message of the day.

The House of Representatives taking up a measure to reform welfare. More work requirements, more flexibility for the state. That's what the president is proposing. So that is where we are. It's not the most picturesque backdrop, but what can we do here at a warehouse -- Daryn.

KAGAN: That's fine. Just don't let them make you carry any boxes there, Kelly. You're doing enough heavy lifting for us as it is.

WALLACE: All right -- aren't you sweet? Will do -- thank you.

KAGAN: Kelly Wallace in Chicago, thank you so much.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com