Moscow, 15 July 2001 (RFE/RL) -- Moscow has denounced a U.S. missile defense test that was conducted over the Pacific Ocean today. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Yakovenko said the test threatens to undermine global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation treaties -- including the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty.
In Washington, the U.S. Defense Department said today that a mock ballistic missile was successfully shot down by an interceptor missile that would play a vital role in the proposed missile defense system.
U.S. President George W. Bush's administration had said it would go ahead with plans for the controversial defense system even if today's test failed.
Russia, China, and several other countries oppose Washington's plans, saying the system would lead to a new nuclear arms race.
In Washington, the U.S. Defense Department said today that a mock ballistic missile was successfully shot down by an interceptor missile that would play a vital role in the proposed missile defense system.
U.S. President George W. Bush's administration had said it would go ahead with plans for the controversial defense system even if today's test failed.
Russia, China, and several other countries oppose Washington's plans, saying the system would lead to a new nuclear arms race.