The argument favoring a conventional balance to match nuclear reductions, therefore, is seen as particularly persuasive in Ankara, the nation's capital.

Emphasizing a Balance Defense Minister Zeki Yavuzturk said in a published interview that Turkey had always supported the total elimination of nuclear weapons, but he added: "We emphasize the conventional balance.

The conventional and nuclear balance in Europe favors the Soviet Union, which makes any use of nuclear weapons by the West of questionable value.

Some Senators, skeptical of the treaty, have proposed to amend it to require a conventional balance of forces more favorable to NATO.

He added: "I don't believe anyone in the intelligence community believes the conventional balance will do anything but worsen.

How can NATO fend off these pressures until the Euromissile cuts are digested and until negotiations on the conventional balance begin?

With a less dogmatic approach to nuclear deterrence and a more relaxed assessment of the conventional balance, agreements on arms control that have hitherto proved to be so elusive suddenly seem possible.

Indeed, it argues that a conventional balance exists, though it consistently refuses to exchange data on its forces to back up this assertion.

Verification, compliance and the conventional balance are serious issues.

The conventional balance in Europe is just as important and is linked to the nuclear balance for more than 40 years.