WASHINGTON. Jan 12 (Interfax) - Russia's Ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov has stated the need for the two countries to work out a new "security equation" that would involve both nuclear and non-nuclear weapons fit for strategic purposes.
"We are talking about developing a new "security equation" which takes into account advanced weapon systems, emerging technologies and current political realities," Antonov was quoted on the Russian Embassy's Facebook account as saying.
"We suggest that future arms control should not be limited to traditional strategic arms such as ICBMs [intercontinental ballistic missiles], SLBMs [submarine-launched ballistic missiles] and heavy bombers. We deem it necessary to include in the said equation all nuclear and non-nuclear weapons that could accomplish strategic tasks," he said.
Extending the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) would give time "to hold comprehensive bilateral talks on the future of nuclear and missile arms control. In these discussions the sides would consider all the factors affecting strategic stability," Antonov said.
"Namely - missile defense, shorter- and intermediate-range ground-based missiles, Global Strike systems, hypersonic delivery vehicles, future space weapons, etc."
This Russian position was set out to the U.S. side during strategic consultations, the diplomat said. "Our approach involves working with our American colleagues to identify types of weapons that pose a threat for the national territory of each country. We have to take into account the quantitative and qualitative aspects of the balance of power between Russia and the US. Thus we indicated our willingness to discuss restrictions on deployed nuclear warheads capable of striking the national territory of the other party. As well as numerical and geographical restrictions on the deployment of missile defense systems," Antonov said.
"After the New START extension, we could also discuss how to possibly involve new participants into arms control agreements. At the same time Russia considers unjustified any attempts to put international pressure on countries in order to force them to participate in an arms control regime. Consultations and negotiations of this kind must be conducted on a free and voluntary basis with due regard for the legitimate interests of the parties," the ambassador said.
"Further efforts in pursuing arms control with the US will be based on parity and mutual respect for each other's interests and concerns," he said. "All our proposals are on the table. Now the ball is in the US court."
Moscow and Washington should "restore mutual trust together. In this regard it is highly important to resume professional dialogue between our military officials," the Russian ambassador said.