Washington-SANA
The Russian ambassador to the United States of America, Anatoly Antonov, affirmed that Russia and the United States could cooperate in Syria in the field of combating terrorism, the return of the displaced and providing humanitarian aid, provided that the sovereignty of Syria is respected.
Antonov explained in a statement to Sputnik that it might be useful to identify areas in which Moscow and Washington could cooperate in Syria, where they could cooperate in the field of combating terrorism, providing humanitarian aid, reconstruction, removing mines and helping the return of the displaced, stressing that his country is ready for such cooperation on condition Respect the sovereignty of the Syrian Arab Republic.
On the other hand, with regard to the Treaty on the Reduction of Strategic Offensive Weapons (START 3), Antonov indicated that former US President Donald Trump referred to this treaty to a subject of political bargaining and pointed out that Russia offered more than a year ago to the United States to extend the treaty without any preconditions, but the administration The American republic categorically refused to prolong its period when signed, put forward unacceptable conditions and turned the only existing Russian-American agreement on limiting nuclear weapons into a subject of political bargaining.
Antonov added, "We hope that the current administration will proceed from more realistic principles," stressing that Russia is open to an objective dialogue on extending the treaty, as the chances of reaching an appropriate agreement before its term expires on the 5th of next February remain.
Yesterday, the Russian Foreign Ministry stressed the importance of extending the (START 3) treaty with the United States for the longest possible period, while the Kremlin expressed its hope that the new American administration will take a constructive and more positive attitude in the dialogue with Russia and take all these factors into consideration.
(START 3) provides for the mutual reduction of strategic nuclear weapons arsenals by the American and Russian sides, the reduction of nuclear warheads during a 7-year period to 1,550, and the reduction of ICBMs and ballistic missiles launched from submarines and heavy bombers to 700 units.
In addition, Antonov announced that his country is counting on the administration of the new American president, Joe Biden, to study its proposal to hold a five-year summit that includes the heads of the permanent member states of the UN Security Council. Antonov said: “The Russian initiative was previously supported by the leadership of the five countries and is still valid,” adding: "The proposals on the agenda were sent to colleagues. These are the main issues that affect the state of global politics, security and the economy, but the date and place of this meeting have not yet been determined," expressing his hope that the new American administration will study the Russian proposal carefully and that the "five-year summit" will be organized. Once the epidemiological situation allows for it.
Last June, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed organizing a meeting for the leaders of the permanent members of the UN Security Council (Russia, the United States, China, France and Britain).
