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US shuns constructive discussion of INF Treaty — Lavrov

Russia’s top diplomat says Moscow has repeatedly offered Washington to negotiate problems 'on the merits' to resolve the concerns related to the INF Treaty

MOSCOW, March 28. /TASS/. Washington shies away from the conversation on mutual concerns related to the implementation of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF Treaty) by both parties, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with Russia’s Argumenty i Fakty weekly.

"The Russian leadership has repeatedly reaffirmed its commitment to the obligations under the INF Treaty," he noted. "There were no violations on our part. The United States says just the opposite failing to provide any specific information that could be verified to clarify the situation."

Russia’s top diplomat added that Moscow had repeatedly offered Washington to abandon the "megaphone diplomacy" methods and negotiate problems "on the merits" to resolve the concerns related to the INF Treaty and clarity possible disputable issues.

"We have very serious questions to the United States concerning certain ‘liberties’ with the implementation of this treaty by the Americans themselves," he noted. "However, they are apparently reluctant to discuss these inconvenient issues. They prefer to indulge in speculations on the mythical Russian ‘violations’ using totally unsubstantiated accusations."