Russia is ready to hold consultations with the United States on the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty at the level of diplomatic and military officials in any form, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said Wednesday
NEW DELHI (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 09th January, 2019) Russia is ready to hold consultations with the United States on the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty at the level of diplomatic and military officials in any form, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said Wednesday.
"This [discussion] can take place in the form of consultations with the participation of representatives of all government agencies: military, diplomatic, Security Council and others. This can take place in the form of a joint commission ... or any format convenient for the United States," Ryabkov told reporters.
The diplomat stressed that Moscow was ready to hold such consultations whenever it was convenient for the United States.
"If they say tomorrow, it will happen tomorrow. We want to find a solution for all these issues through dialogue," Ryabkov added.
In early December, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States would suspend its adherence to the INF Treaty within 60 days unless Russia returned to full compliance with the agreement.
Moscow has repeatedly refuted US allegations that Russia has violated the 1987 INF treaty, which bans ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges between 500 and 5,500 kilometers (311 to 3,417 miles). In turn, Moscow has complained that launchers on US defense systems in Europe can fire cruise missiles at ranges that violate the INF's terms.
In recent years, Moscow and Washington have regularly accused each other of violating the INF Treaty. Russia has repeatedly stated that it strictly complies with its obligations. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has noted that Moscow has very serious questions regarding the implementation of the treaty by the United States.
