Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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' Bush commits U.S. to missile shield ■ President calls 1972 missile treaty a relic of Cold War V by Robert Burns Associated Press WASHINGTON — President Bush on Hiesday committed the United States to building a defense against ballistic missile attack and indicated he wouldn’t allow a Cold War-era arms treaty to stand in the way. ♦ “We need a new framework that allows us to build missile defenses to counter the — different threats of today’s world,” said Bush, who spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin before announcing his plan. He said he told BUSH the Russian leader he would like to meet with him soon. White House officials said they were exploring the possibility of a meeting somewhere in Europe during the president’s travels in connection with a European Union summit June 15-16. The president’s remarks on defense marked the start of an intensified campaign to convince America’s European and Asian allies — as well as Russia, China and others hostile to the idea of missile defense — that attacks by ballistic missiles can best be deterred by defenses rather than large offenses. “Cold War deterrence is no longer enough,” Bush said in a speech at the National Defense University. “To maintain peace, protect our own citizens and our own allies and friends, we must seek security based on more than the grim premise that we can destroy those who seek to destroy us,” he said. He said he was sending senior aides to allied capitals in Europe, Asia, Australia and Canada to discuss “our common responsibility to create a new framework for security and stability that reflects the world of today.” The delegations will be headed by Richard Armitage, the deputy secretary of state; Paul Wolfowitz, the deputy secretary of defense, and Steve Hadley, a deputy national security adviser, Bush said. “These will be real consultations. We are not presenting our friends and allies with unilateral decisions already made. We look forward to hearing their views, the views of our friends, and to take them into account.” Cost estimates for a missile defense system range from $30 billion to $200 billion, depending on its structure. Among the main criticisms of missile defense are its high cost and unknown effectiveness. Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle, D-S.D., was quick to question Bush’s commitment to missile defense. “We fear the president may be buying a lemon here,” Daschle said. “There has not been a shrSd of evidence that this works. We’ve got to ask some very tough questions.” Bush called the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile treaty, wliich proliibits large-scale missile defenses, a relic of the Cold War. “We must move beyond the constraints of the 30-year-old ABM treaty,” the president said. “This treaty does not recognize the present or point us to the future. It enshrines the past.” Bush didn’t say the United States would withdraw from the treaty, but he focused much of his speech on what he views as its shortcomings. World Briefs ■ Shooting ambushes kill Israeli in aftermath of Palestinian deaths RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) —An Israeli driver was killed and another hurt in West Bank shooting ambushes Tuesday, a day after two mysterious explosions killed five Palestinians, including two children and a militant wanted by Israel. The Palestinians blamed Israel for the blast that killed the children, ages 3 and 7. Israel's army denied the allegations. The renewed violence came as Israeli Foreign'Minister Shimon Peres started talks in the United States about a truce plan. The slain Israeli motorist was identified as Assaf Hershkovitz, 31, a resident of the Jewish settlement of Ofra. m Earn up to t Jj $200 a month^ and help ^ save lives. ^ ^ ‘.,71 •/ » G eot lode g|g , .(say twall) G Si m > introducing new raue ioile! * Initially Vours coiumBin LUGGAGE 1111 Lady Street • Columbia, SC 29201 • (803) 765-9010 Near the University of South Carolina 1 Bedroom with Porch 1 Bedroom with Sun Room — CONVENIENT TO USC — — LOCATED AT THE RIVER — — OFF BROAD RIVER ROAD — — ON BENTLEY DRIVE — ~* $99 *~ MOVE IN SPECIALS FOR USC STUDENTS CALL (803) 772-9409 f y 2 Bedroom with Porch Phone: 803/256-6666 ^follett NEW & USED COLLEGE TEXTBOOKS .com FREE Bluebooks and ^S^FREE storefront parking! 7—~*current market value applies.