For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
October 17, 2001

President Welcomes Russian Decision
Statement by the President

I welcome President Putin's announcement today that Russia will close its military intelligence-gathering facility in Lourdes, Cuba.

This decision is another indication that the Cold War is over.  President Putin understands that Russia and America are no longer adversaries; we do not judge our successes by how much it complicates life for the other country.  Instead, both nations are taking down relics of the Cold War and building a new, cooperative and transparent relationship for the 21st century.

I look forward to meeting with President Putin in Shanghai on Sunday, where we will work to deepen the Russian-American partnership.

                                    ###