[jerseygirl]

Russkie update: (IVANOV's subtle hint?)



Russia views NUCLEAR DETERRENCE as global security basis


13.07.2004, 17.14


LONDON, July 13 (Itar-Tass)

Russia regards nuclear weapons and nuclear deterrence as the basis of global security, Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov said in his speech at the International Institute for Strategic Studies here on Tuesday.

"Nuclear deterrence is the burden the great powers have to carry on," the minister said, this makes politicians feel responsible for the decisions they take.

"If such a phenomenon as nuclear deterrence did not exist in the world, the number of conflicts would be far larger," Ivanov emphasized.

He noted that at present there is a trend toward the nuclear deterrence of a new type: "the deterrence for ensuring strategic stability."

The Russian leadership regards the maintenance of high combat capability and combat readiness of the strategic nuclear forces as its main priority.

The main objective of the Russian polity in the field of strategic deterrence is the guaranteed protection of sovereignty, territorial integrity and other vital national interests of Russia and its allies, the defense minister said.

Russia closely watches the USA's actions in this field, for example, its programs to create small nuclear charges, and is ready to take part in ensuring global strategic stability under any scenarios of the development of the military-political situation in the world, where strategic threats come to the foreground, Ivanov said.



www.itar-tass.com/eng/lev...&PageNum=0

[jerseygirl]

Possible tie in with possible AQ threat date of 7-15?

(courtesy of Mutter's board)

United States Department of Defense
News Release



No. 664-04
IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 12, 2004

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DoD Radar Data Collection Effort Planned for Washington D.C.


Washington, D.C. - The Department of Defense will conduct a series of radar data collection flights over the National Capital Region during the week of 12-16 July in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration.



The flights will involve low flying aircraft, a Cessna 206 and a Twin Otter airplane flying along the Potomac River, and the greater Washington D.C. metro area. The purpose of these flights is to obtain radar data from a variety of aircraft in and around the National Capital Region.



Citizens throughout the region may hear aircraft noise at various times and see these aircraft as they fly routes similar to normal Washington D.C. air traffic. The impact of these flights will be relatively minor to commercial aircraft, and all flights will be conducted in accordance with FAA and NORAD standards.



All interagency offices have been notified of these flights and to the maximum extent coordination procedures have been completed.



For further information related to this release, please contact the Office of Secretary of Defense Public Affairs office at (703) 697-5131.

www.defenselink.mil/relea...-1005.html

Note: "during the week of 12-16 July "