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Russian senator emphasizes need to resume negotiations with US on START-3

The senator pointed out that the treaty would expire in 2021

MOSCOW, February 10. /TASS/. Russia and the United States should resume talks on the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START-3) as soon as possible, Chairman of Russia’s Federation Council (upper house of parliament) Committee for International Affairs Konstantin Kosachev told reporters on Friday.

"I believe it is necessary to resume our negotiations with the US on START-3 as soon as possible," he said.

Kosachev pointed out that the treaty would expire in 2021.

"This treaty is the most important document concerning strategic stability and the nuclear forces balance, however, in the past six years there have been no consultations on it," the senator added. According to Kosachev, this is an alarming sign. At the same time, he expressed confidence that the two countries would fulfill their obligations under the treaty.

The Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START-3), signed by the Russian and US presidents in Prague on April 8, 2010, took effect on February 5, 2011, after the Russian State Duma (lower house of parliament) and the US Congress had ratified it. The treaty stipulates that both countries should cut the number of deployed strategic delivery vehicles to 700 units and reduce the number of installed warheads to 1,550.