Russia And USA Discuss Military-political Problems

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Georgy Mamedov today met US Under Secretary of State John Bolton to discuss the 1972 ABM Treaty and other problem issues. Bolton is in Moscow to prepare disarmament issues for the forthcoming Russia-US summit. The Russian side particularly pointed to the results of the personal meetings between Vladimir Putin and George Bush, especially their talks in Shanghai. Moscow believes that these meetings have created a basis for principled understanding of the framework for future strategic relations to be achieved. Political decisions need to be taken so that these new opportunities can be realised, including in the sphere of arms cuts. Moreover, a cautious attitude needs to be adopted in relation to the current reciprocal agreements in offensive and defensive weapons. The sides agreed to continue the dialogue during a New York meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov and US Secretary of State Colin Powell.