i'm susan johnson, the president of afsa, and i'd like to extend a very warm afsa welcome to you all, and thank you for coming to this important and special panel discussion, and also celebration of the 25th anniversary of the signing the inf treaty. special thanks of course go to our panelists and our moderator, and i should not talk, ridgway and burt, for sharing their experiences and reflections surrounding the conflict negotiations that led to this treaty which was a significant factor in reducing danger of the cold war. i'm sure you know all of these three eminent folks, but i would just like to say a quick word. ambassador rozanne ridgway was assistant secretary of state for europe and candidate from 1985-89. in her 32 year foreign service career she served as ambassador to finland, a bastard former democratic republic, ambassador for oceans and fisheries affairs, and as counsel of the department. we are delighted to have her back to talk to us, or with us today. ambassador burt is currently now the managing director, where he led the firm's work in europe and eurasia since 2007