MOSCOW. March 9 (Interfax) - London is ready to study any suggestions dealing with arms control which would be a result of potential talks between Moscow, Washington, D.C., and Beijing, the British Embassy in Russia said.
"Undoubtedly, we will thoroughly study any suggestions which may result from talks between the United States, Russia, and China," the embassy press service told Interfax, answering a question whether the UK is ready to join the talks on arms control, as was suggested by the Russian side earlier.
"At the same time, it should be noted that the UK has already taken considerable steps towards the fulfilment of its obligations in nuclear disarmament in accordance with the Article VI of the NPT [Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons]. Therefore, we maintain a reliable minimum of nuclear deterrence, we have the single delivery system, and we are open and transparent in terms of our doctrine," the British embassy said.
"Since the signing of the New START, we have observed the development and deployment of nuclear weapon systems which are not covered by the New START or any other treaty on strategic arms control. At the same time, the absence of transparence in relation to doctrines or the expansion of nuclear programs increases the risk of misjudgment," it said.
The Russian side said earlier that it understands the U.S. wish to involve China in talks on strategic stability, but it would then require the involvement of the UK and France in talks.