Russian, U.S. lawmakers to discuss arms pact ratification in Washington

A Russian-U.S. inter-parliamentary group will meet in Washington on April 18-22 to discuss the ratification of a new strategic arms reduction treaty, a senior Russian lawmaker said on Wednesday.

The pact, signed on April 8, stipulates that the number of nuclear warheads is to be reduced to 1,550 on each side over seven years, while the number of delivery vehicles, both deployed and non-deployed, must not exceed 800.

"We are planning to exchange opinions with our American colleagues on prospects for the ratification," said Mikhail Margelov, head of the international affairs committee in the upper house of the Russian parliament.

He said the Russian delegation would include members of the Federation Council, experts, scholars, and representatives of the business community.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said on Tuesday he would submit the treaty to parliament for ratification in early May if his counterpart Barack Obama does the same in the United States.

Both presidents have pledged to work with lawmakers to ensure its timely ratification.

MOSCOW, April 14 (RIA Novosti)