BRUSELLS, October 31. /TASS/. NATO stands ready to continue dialogue with Russia over the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, but will take every required measure to ensure the alliance’s safety and security, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Wednesday at a meeting of the NATO-Russia Council at the level of ambassadors.
"While we stand ready to continue dialogue on this issue with Russia, as an Alliance we are also committed to take effective measures to continue to ensure the safety and security of all Allies," Stoltenberg was cited by NATO press service as saying.
The NATO secretary general pointed out that NATO believes that "the missile system 9M729 poses a serious risk to the strategic stability of the Euro-Atlantic area."
NATO said that the sides had shared views on the INF treaty which the United States might quit. NATO members agree that "the INF Treaty has been crucial to Euro-Atlantic security."
"The United States is in compliance with its obligations under the INF Treaty and continues to provide substantial transparency on its programs," Stoltenberg said voicing concern about Russia’s steps.
"Allies have repeatedly expressed serious concerns about the new Russian missile system, known as the 9M729 or SSC-8. NATO has urged Russia repeatedly to address these concerns in a substantial and transparent way, and to actively engage in a constructive dialogue with the United States," the NATO press service said citing Stoltenberg’s speech at the NATO-Russia meeting.
"We regret that Russia has not heeded our calls. This reinforces our assessment that the missile system 9M729 poses a serious risk to the strategic stability of the Euro-Atlantic area," he concluded.