Geneva November 21, 1977
Communique of the US-USSR Standing Consultative Commission on the Review of the Treaty Between the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on the Limitation of Anti-Ballistic Missile Systems of May 26, 1972
In accordance with the provisions of Article XIV of the Treaty Between the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on the Limitation of Anti-Ballistic Missile Systems of May 26, 1972, which entered into force on October 3, 1972, and was amended by the Protocol thereto of July 3, 1974, the Parties to the Treaty, together conducted a review of the Treaty after five years of its operation. By agreement between the Parties, the review was conducted from November 4 to November 21, 1977, in a special session of the Standing Consultative Commission which was convened for that purpose.
The Parties agree that the Treaty is operating effectively, thus demonstrating the mutual commitment of the USA and the USSR to the goal of limiting nuclear arms and to the principle of equal security, serves the security interests of both Parties, decreases the risk of outbreak of nuclear war, facilitates progress in the further limitation and reduction of strategic offensive arms, and requires no amendment at this time.
The Parties note, in connection with the conduct of the review, that during the aforementioned period of operation of the Treaty consultations and discussions have been held in the Standing Consultative Commission on matters pertaining to promoting the implementation of the objectives and provisions of the Treaty. These consultations and discussions have been productive and useful in clarifying the mutual understanding of the Parties concerning certain provisions of the Treaty, in working out appropriate procedures for implementation of its provisions, and in resolving a number of questions related to complete and precise implementation of the provisions of the Treaty.
Mindful of their obligation to conduct together a review of the Treaty at five-year intervals, the Parties will continue the process of consultation concerning the implementation, as well as the enhancement of the viability and effectiveness, of the provisions of the Treaty.
The Parties reaffirm their mutual commitment to the objectives and provisions of the Treaty and their resolve to maintain and further increase the viability and effectiveness of the Treaty.
