Washington, Dec 29: The Russian Ambassador to the United States, Anatoly Antonov expressed a concern on the delay in response of the US on the withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF Treaty) and on its approaches to the New START (Strategic Arms Reduction) Treaty.
"Let us not be in a hurry. As far as we know, the US administration is still undecided about the approaches to the New START Treaty," he told journalists.
"As for the INF Treaty, no final words have been said either", he added. "Russia is doing its best to involve the American partners into a professional dialogue to discuss the each other's concerns and settle mutual claims in compliance with the procedures envisaged by the treaty. Our proposals are being considered. We are expecting an answer".
The Russian diplomat stressed however that should Washington finally withdraw from the INF Treaty, Moscow will naturally have to take appropriate military-technical measures to ensure its security interests.
"Washington's course towards breaking down the architecture of disarmament agreements and strategic stability weakens international security and gives free rein to an uncontrolled arms race. We cannot let such a scenario be implemented," Antonov said.