Bilateral Post-Summit Statement: ‘A Nuclear War Cannot Be Won. . .’

Here are excerpts from the U.S.-Soviet statement at the conclusion of the summit between President Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail S. Gorbachev:

Ronald W. Reagan, President of the United States of America, and Mikhail S. Gorbachev, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, met in Washington on Dec. 7-10, 1987. . . .

The President and the general secretary held comprehensive and detailed discussions on the full range of issues between the two countries, including arms reductions, human rights and humanitarian issues, settlement of regional conflicts, and bilateral relations. The talks were candid and constructive, reflecting both the continuing differences between the two sides and their understanding that these differences are not insurmountable obstacles to progress in areas of mutual interest. . . .

The President and the general secretary . . . continue to be guided by their solemn conviction that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought. They are determined to prevent any war between the United States and the Soviet Union, whether nuclear or conventional. They will not seek to achieve military superiority.

The two leaders recognized the special responsibility of the United States and the Soviet Union to search for realistic ways to prevent confrontation and to promote a more sustainable and stable relationship between their countries. To this end, they agreed to intensify dialogue and to encourage emerging trends toward constructive cooperation in all areas of their relations. They are convinced that in so doing they will also contribute, with other nations, to the building of a safer world as humanity enters the third millennium.

I. Arms Control

The INF Treaty: The two leaders signed the Treaty between the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on the Elimination of Their Intermediate-Range and Shorter-Range Missiles. This treaty is historic both for its objective--the complete elimination of an entire class of U.S. and Soviet nuclear arms--and for the innovation, character and scope of its verification provisions. This mutual accomplishment makes a vital contribution to greater stability.

Nuclear and Space Talks: The President and the general secretary discussed the negotiations on reductions in strategic offensive arms. They noted the considerable progress which has been made toward conclusion of a treaty implementing the principle of 50% reductions. They agreed to instruct their negotiators in Geneva to work toward the completion of the Treaty on the Reduction and Limitation of Strategic and Offensive Arms and all the integral documents at the earliest possible date, preferably in time for signature of the treaty during the next meeting of leaders of state in the first half of 1988. . . .

Nuclear Testing: The two leaders welcomed the opening on Nov. 9, 1987, of full-scale, step-by-step negotiations, in accordance with the joint statement adopted in Washington on Sept. 17, 1987, by the secretary of state of the United States and the minister of foreign affairs of the U.S.S.R. . . .

Non-proliferation: The President and the general secretary reaffirmed the continued commitment of the United States and the Soviet Union to the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, and in particular to strengthening the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. . . .

Nuclear Risk Reduction Centers: The leaders welcomed the signing on Sept. 15, 1987, in Washington of the agreement to establish Nuclear Risk Reduction Centers in their capitals. The agreement will be implemented promptly. . . .

Chemical Weapons: The leaders expressed their commitment to negotiation of a verifiable, comprehensive and effective international convention on the prohibition and destruction of chemical weapons. . . .

Conventional Forces: The President and the general secretary discussed the importance of the task of reducing the level of military confrontation in Europe in the area of armed forces and conventional armaments. The two leaders spoke in favor of. . . substantive negotiations. . .at the earliest time. . . .

II. Human Rights and Humanitarian Concerns

The leaders held a thorough and candid discussion of human rights and humanitarian questions and their place in the U.S.-Soviet dialogue.

III. Regional Issues

The President and the general secretary engaged in a wide-ranging, frank and businesslike discussion of regional questions, including Afghanistan, the Iran-Iraq War, the Middle East, Cambodia, southern Africa, Central America and other issues. They acknowledged serious differences but agreed on the importance of their regular exchange of views. . . .

IV. Bilateral Affairs

Bilateral Negotiations: The two leaders called for intensified efforts by their representatives, aimed at reaching mutually advantageous agreements on: commercial maritime issues; fishing; marine search and rescue; radio navigational systems; the U.S.-U.S.S.R. maritime boundary and cooperation in the field of transportation and other areas.

People-to-People Contacts and Exchanges: The two leaders took note of progress. . .in the areas of education, science, culture and sports. . .and agreed to continue efforts to eliminate obstacles to further progress in these areas. . . .

Global Climate and Environmental Change Initiative: The two leaders approved a bilateral initiative to pursue joint studies in global climate and environmental change through cooperation in areas of mutual concern. . . .

Cooperative Activities: The President and the general secretary supported further cooperation among scientists of the United States, the Soviet Union and other countries in utilizing controlled thermonuclear fusion for peaceful purposes. . . .

(They) agreed to develop bilateral cooperation in combatting international narcotics trafficking. . .(and that) appropriate initial consultations would be held for these purposes in early 1988. . . .

Trade: The two sides stated their strong support for the expansion of mutually beneficial trade and economic relations. . . . They agreed that commercially viable joint ventures complying with the laws and regulations of both countries could play a role in the further development of commercial relations.

Diplomatic Missions: Both sides agreed on the importance of adequate, secure facilities for their respective diplomatic and consular establishments, and emphasized the need to approach problems relating to the functioning of embassies and consulates general constructively and on the basis of reciprocity.

V. Further Meetings

General Secretary Gorbachev renewed the invitation he extended during the Geneva summit for President Reagan to visit the Soviet Union. The President accepted with pleasure. The visit will take place in the first half of 1988.