MOSCOW. Feb 21 (Interfax) - Moscow's decision to suspend participation in the New START is reversible, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
"The decision to suspend the New START could be reversible," the ministry said in a statement published on its website.
"To that end, Washington must show its political will and make good-faith efforts for the sake of general de-escalation and creation of conditions for resuming the Treaty's full-scale functioning and, therefore, comprehensively ensuring its viability. This is what we are calling on the U.S. side for. Until then, any of our steps towards Washington in the context of the New START are completely ruled out," the ministry said.
The ministry also urged the U.S. to "refrain from steps which could hinder the resumption of the New START, if the conditions necessary for it come to fruition."
"We are convinced that the Treaty's potential in terms of its contribution to the strengthening of international security and strategic stability is far from being exhausted. Nevertheless, it can fully be unlocked only if the opportunities for the symmetrical, equal and thorough implementation of the New START by both parties are renewed," it said.
"We intend to closely follow further actions of the U.S. and its allies, both in relation to the New START and on the track of international security and strategic stability in general, and analyze them for inflicting damage to the Russian interests and need to take our additional countermeasures," it said.