Russia, US begin 3rd round of talks on strategic offensive arms

The parties will discuss a new document that should replace START-1 that was signed by Moscow and Washington in 1991 and expires on December 5, 2009.

The first discussions on the new document were held in Moscow on May 19-21. The second round of consultations took place in Geneva on June 1-2.

The third round of talks is veiled by secrecy and taking place alternately at the Russian Permanent Mission at the United Nations and at other international organisations in Geneva and the building of the U.S. embassy.

The consultations will continue on Tuesday, June 23, and, if need be, on Wednesday, June 24.

The first results of the consultations may be announced after the meeting between Russia President Dmitry Medvedev and U.S. President Barack Obama in Moscow on July 6-8.

Moscow is ready to reduce the number of strategic offensive weapons but only if the United States resolves Russia's missile defence concerns, Medvedev said; Kazinform cites Itar-Tass.

See www.itar-tass.com for full version.