WEBVTT

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(people murmuring)
(footsteps clacking)

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- Good afternoon.

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For over three decades, the INF Treaty

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has been a landmark in arms control.

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It eliminated an entire category

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of nuclear weapons making us all safer.

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Today the INF Treaty ceases to exist

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because Russia has deployed
the SSC-8 missile system.

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The new Russian missiles
are nuclear capable,

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mobile and hard to detect.

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They can reach European cities

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with only minutes of warning time.

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And they lower the threshold
for the use of nuclear weapons

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in armed conflict.

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All NATO allies agree

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that these missiles
violate the INF Treaty.

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And Russia continues to
develop and field these systems

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despite years of US and allied engagement

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including a final opportunity
over the last six months

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to return to compliance.

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We regret that Russia
showed no willingness

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and took no steps to comply

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with its international obligations.

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As a result, the United States' decision

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to withdraw from the
treaty is now taking place.

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This decision is supported
by all NATO allies

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because no International agreement

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is effective if it's only
respected by one side.

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Russia bears the sole responsibility

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for the demise of the INF Treaty.

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There are no new US missiles in Europe

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but there are new Russian
missiles in Europe.

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NATO will respond in a measured

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and responsible way to the
significant risks posed

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by Russia's SSC-8 system.

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We have agreed a package of measures

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to ensure NATO's deterrence of defense

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remains credible and effective

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but we will not rush to implementation

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or make any rash moves.

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We will consider our options carefully.

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We have decided to work on issues

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such as exercises,
intelligence, surveillance

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and reconnaissance, air
and missile defenses

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and conventional capabilities.

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We will also ensure our
nuclear deterrent remains safe,

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secure and effective.

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Some of these measures
can be implemented quickly

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and others will take time.

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Everything we do will be balanced,

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coordinated and defensive.

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Allies remain firmly committed

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to the preservation of effective
international arms control,

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disarmament and non-proliferation.

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We will not mirror what Russia does.

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We don't want a new arms race.

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And we have no intention

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to deploy new land-based
nuclear missiles in Europe.

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NATO continues to aspire
for a construct relationship

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with Russia when Russia's
actions make that possible.

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And with that I am ready
to take your questions.

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- Okay, we'll get.