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Annan notes ‘with regret’ US decision to pull out of ABM treaty

Annan notes ‘with regret’ US decision to pull out of ABM treaty

The United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, today noted "with regret" the decision of the United States to withdraw unilaterally from the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile treaty.

A spokesman for Mr. Annan said in a statement that the Treaty on the Limitation of Anti-Ballistic Missile Systems "has served for many years as a cornerstone for maintaining global peace and security and strategic stability."

The Secretary-General was concerned the "annulation" of the treaty might provoke an arms race, especially in the missile area, and further undermine disarmament and non-proliferation regimes, the spokesman added.

"He calls upon all states to explore new binding and irreversible initiatives to avert such unwelcome effects," the spokesman said.