On the recordDecember 21, 2010
The fax sheet mentions on more than one occasion that changes adopted by the BCC cannot affect substantive rights or obligations. It says under background: ``The New START treaty authorizes the parties to use the Bilateral Consultative Commission, BCC, to reach agreement on changes in the protocol to the treaty, including its annexes, that do not affect substantive rights or obligations.'' Further down under authority of the BCC, the State Department fax sheet says: ``In addition to making technical changes to the protocol, including its annexes that do not affect substantive rights or obligations, the BCC may,'' and then it lists the six bullets. First, resolve questions relating to compliance with the obligations assumed by the parties. Secondly, agree upon such additional measures as may be necessary to improve the viability and effectiveness of the treaty. Next, discuss the unique features of missiles and their launchers other than ICBM and ICBM launchers or SLBM and SLBM launchers referred to in paragraph 3 of article V of the treaty that distinguish such missiles and their launchers from ICBM and ICBM launchers and SLBM and SLBM launchers. Next, discuss on an annual basis the exchange of telemetric information under the treaty. Fifth, resolve questions related to the applicability of provisions of the treaty to a new kind of strategic offensive arm. And finally, discuss other issues raised by either party.
