MOSCOW FOOTSTEP CATEGORICAL AGAINST ANY ALTERATIONS AT THE ABM
CONTRACT UP








MOSCOW, 2 March.  / RIA "Nowosti" rIA-"Nowosti"-Korrespondent Pjotr
Gontscharow /. the position of Russia to the question over the ABM
contract from the year 1972 remains unchanged.  Moscow occurs
categorically against alterations to it.  The avowed on Friday a
highranking diplomatic source.

After its words Russia does not mean that in the strategic situation
modifications carried out themselves, which would justify alterations
at the ABM contract of 1972.

This source emphasized that one does not divide American expressions
into Moscow to dangers, which proceed allegedly from some countries in
the rocket area and are justified with those the necessity for the
creation of a national anti-missile defense system (NMD) in the USA.


As the source underlined, Moscow is extremely concerned about the
plans of the USA for NMD creation.

Nontheless one does not lose so the source, hope for a compromise in
Russia.  It described that by it the conversion of a scheme is
understood for the maintenance of strategic stability, which started
up Russia lately.

This position had been affirmed in the assertion of the president of
Russia Vladimir Putin from 13 November previous yearly, reminded the
source.

After its words in the framework of of Russia of started up program is
suggested keeping unchanged ABM contract and changing over on its
basis to further steps with the reduction of strategic offensive
weapons.

Among other things that is, said the source, the implementation of the
common assertion of the presidents of Russia and the USA from 2
September 1998 about the accommodation of the START-3-Verhandlungen
right after the ratification of the START-2-Vertrages by Russia.
President Russia had affirmed, reminded previous yearly the readiness
of Russia for the reduction of core warheads on 1500 in his assertion
from 13 November and fewer the source.