Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov on Tuesday discussed with U.S. Ambassador John Beyrle in Moscow the status of a new strategic arms reduction deal and the situation around Iran's nuclear program.
A new document to replace the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START 1) between Russia and the United States, which expired on December 5, has not been signed yet over disagreements on verification and control arrangements to be included in the document.
"The status of the new strategic arms reduction deal and the situation around Iran's nuclear program, as well as several issues on bilateral relations were discussed," a statement from the foreign ministry released on Tuesday said.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said on Sunday the new arms cuts pact with the United States has almost been agreed upon.
"Ninety-five percent of issues have been coordinated. I have rather optimistic expectations regarding the treaty," Medvedev told journalists at a ski resort near the Black Sea.
"As regards the document, President [Barack] Obama and I clearly outlined the limits - what we may not do and what they may not do. Everything is clear here," he said.
The new treaty's outline, as agreed on by the Russian and U.S. presidents, includes cutting nuclear arsenals to 1,500-1,675 operational warheads and delivery vehicles to 500-1,000.
MOSCOW, January 26 (RIA Novosti)
