25 Jan 2019 20:16

Russia to continue efforts seeking to preserve INF Treaty - Ryabkov

BRUSSELS. Jan 25 (Interfax) - Russia will continue its efforts seeking to preserve the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty despite the U.S.' stance, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said in Brussels.

"Absolutely not, we are continuing our work in the interests of preserving this document, nothing has changed," he said, when asked about whether the outcomes of the NATO-Russia Council meeting, which was held on Friday, indicate that this treaty has been derailed.

"Despite complicated talks at this meeting we are hoping that common sense will triumph. Even after the United States suspends the effect of the treaty on February 2 we will continue our work," the high-ranking diplomat told Russian reporters.

"I believe that NATO's solidarity, which manifested itself in full, will certainly further hamper us, but, however, the NATO countries also should fully understand the responsibility for the future of this document and the security situation in the Euro-Atlantic Region, and we have clarified that to them today," Ryabkov said.