Russian Foreign Minister Calls For "serious Analysis" Of ABM Issues

Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov called for serious analysis of 1972 ABM Treaty issues being discussed as part of preparations for the summit of Russian and US Presidents Vladimir Putin and George Bush. Russian Foreign Minister announced this on arriving in Washington to hold negotiations with US Secretary of State Colin Powell. According to Ivanov, Russia believes it necessary to consider interests of the two countries and the world community while discussing the ABM issues in order to consolidate strategic stability. The coming summit will take place during Vladimir Putin's first official visit to the USA, Igor Ivanov stressed. According to the minister, the format of the visit will be "a little unusual" - the official part will be held in Washington while the second part will be more private. At the invitation of George Bush the Russian President will visit his rancho in Texas to proceed with talks, the Foreign Minister said.