MOSCOW, March 1. /TASS/. Russia presented the US Embassy in Moscow with an official note about the suspension of Russia’s participation in the New START Treaty on February 28, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov told TASS Wednesday.
"The Americans were interested in certain details of our decision. In particular, they asked as to when an official notification would follow, as it is necessary in this case. We answered that as soon as Russian President [Vladimir Putin] signs the corresponding law - which has been done yesterday - the official notification would follow immediately. It was also done yesterday," the Deputy Foreign Minister said, adding that the note was relayed via the US Embassy.
Ryabkov also noted that US representatives also inquired about other aspects during the recent discussions over closed channels as well.
"I hope the explanations we have provided were exhaustive," the senior diplomat said.
he treaty was signed by Russia and the US in Prague on April 8, 2010, and provides for reduction of both countries’ nuclear arsenals. On Tuesday, Putin announced the decision to suspend Russia’s participation in the treaty in his address to the Federal Assembly on Tuesday. The President underscored that Russia does not withdraw from the treaty, but it needs to understand how nuclear arsenals of other NATO states - the UK and France - will be accounted for under the treaty before the Treaty could be restored.