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RF-US dialogue impossible without MD resolution — DFM Sergei Ryabkov

Moscow demands firm guarantees be given under which missile defence is not directed against Russia, the diplomat stressed

MOSCOW, November 8 (Itar-Tass) — Moscow considers the dialogue on disarmament with the U.S. impossible if the missile defence problem remains unsolved, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Thursday.

“We rivet much attention to the missile defence problem. The dialogue on further disarmament is impossible [if this problem remains unsolved],” the deputy foreign minister stressed.

According to Ryabkov, information on the elements of this system (not only European missile defence) “cannot serve an alternative to guarantees under which the missile defence system is not directed against Russia”. “It is clear that the United States doesn’t want to create mechanisms on missile defence proliferation. We call for ensuring the parity and meeting mutual interests,” the deputy foreign minister said.

Moscow demands firm guarantees be given under which missile defence is not directed against Russia, the diplomat said, adding, “The verification regime is also indispensable.”