MOSCOW, November 19. /TASS/. Washington has yet to give a clear response to Moscow’s proposals on the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said in an interview published on the PIR Center think tank’s website.
He pointed out that US leader Donald Trump had called Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal to extend restrictions stipulated in the treaty a "good idea," along with denuclearization.
"However, we are not talking about denuclearization. So far, no progress has been made. I believe it is too early to comment on Washington’s overall stance regarding this proposal, even despite the positive signals from President Trump. I assume the relevant experts in Washington, who are currently engaged in analyzing, accessing and developing various options, are unlikely to have reached a stage where anything definitive can be said on this issue," the senior Russian diplomat stressed.
Ryabkov noted that Russia had "placed sufficiently clear road signs for the way ahead." "We believe it is vital to adhere to these signs so as to forge a more direct path ahead. I do not know whether we will succeed in it," he added.
"The framework established by President Putin’s proposal constitutes a call to the other party to act responsibly. This is crucial both for the security of our nations and in terms of cost efficiency. Should anyone in Washington decide to tell President Trump that supporting the Russian initiative could reduce the likelihood of future government shutdowns, this might help - or it might not," the Russian deputy foreign minister observed.
