Bush Disarmament Plan Draws Praise, Wariness

Egypt and the U.N. official in charge of nuclear disarmament Thursday welcomed President Bush’s proposal to curb the arms buildup in the Middle East by freezing nuclear weapons and eventually banning all missiles.

The Soviet Union and Japan praised the idea, announced by Bush on Wednesday. But China warily said it is studying the plan.

Bush’s proposed restraints on nuclear arms and materials would mainly affect Israel. The Jewish state is believed to be the only Mideast nation with nuclear-weapons capability.

Iran’s state-run radio said Thursday that Bush’s plan is defective because it would leave Israel’s nuclear arsenal intact and contains no guarantees.

Comprehensive arms control in the volatile region would be desirable, Tehran Radio said in a commentary, allowing Middle East countries to attend to their economic problems.

In Moscow, officials said they welcome Bush’s proposal. The Soviet Union has long been a major arms supplier to the Arab world.

Foreign Minister Alexander A. Bessmertnykh, visiting Rome, told a news conference: “There are interesting and positive ideas although some points need further clarification,” he said.

In a statement Thursday, Egyptian Foreign Minister Amir Moussa also welcomed Bush’s plan and, in a clear reference to Israel, said in a statement that Cairo hopes that “all countries in the region will commit themselves” to doing away with weapons of mass destruction.

The U.N. official in charge of disarmament issues, Yasushi Akashi, said in Tokyo that the U.S. plan could “create more auspicious conditions” for reducing tensions.

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Thursday defended Beijing’s arms policies and said China is studying the U.S. plan.

“China has exported far fewer weapons than the major Western states . . . ,” spokesman Wu Jianmin said. “We hope all the parties concerned . . . will take a responsible and prudent attitude.”

Japan welcomed the U.S. proposal, calling it “a courageous action on this difficult issue.”

Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, visiting Tokyo, also welcomed the plan, saying it could lead to progress in curbing arms sales worldwide.