MOSCOW. Aug 5 (Interfax) - Russia is ready to discuss a broader agreement on intermediate- and shorter-range missiles, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov.
"Speaking of the [U.S.] proposition that a broader agreement [pertaining to intermediate- and shorter-range missiles] be discussed, we are prepared for this dialogue and have never rejected it. However, we should discuss facts rather than slogans in order to make our dialogue substantive," Ryabkov said at a press briefing in Moscow on Monday.
"We support any action of the United States, which does not aim to continue an escalation of tensions, including those in the Gulf, but seeks to find ways of dialogue and resolution of existent problems," Ryabkov said.
Speaking of the INF Treaty, Ryabkov said the United States "claimed at first that one party had to quit the treaty because the other party, Russia, was violating it."
"Meanwhile, we [Russia] said nothing of the sort since 2000, when our claims against the United States started piling up. We were patient and realized our responsibility for international security; we understood that dismantlement of this treaty will have the most harmful implications for the regional and global security system," Ryabkov said.
Russia did not threaten to quit the INF Treaty "despite the sporadic speculations," he said.
"Now we are told that a new, broader comprehensive nuclear agreement is necessary. Still, the issue of intermediate- and shorter-range missiles is overlooked whenever they speak in favor a broader, comprehensive agreement, which makes us think that the United States has no desire in principle to discuss this matter but indicates Washington's wish to start building its potential," Ryabkov said.