Russia, US to boost cooperation on strategic matters

Moscow, Feb 22 (UNI) Russia and the United States today urged for intensive cooperation in the fight against international terrorism, settling regional crises and strengthening the non-proliferation regime.

In talks today with US National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley, Russian Security Council secretary Igor Ivanov highlighted the development of a strategic dialogue between Moscow and Washington on security and other international issues, the Russian Security Council press service said in a statement.

''Mr Igor Ivanov underlined the importance of addressing existing concerns between our states through dialogue,'' it said, pointing out that Mr Ivanov and Mr Hadley discussed the Iranian nuclear problem, the situation in Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, the West Asia peace process and North Korean nuclear programme.

Earlier, opening the talks in the Kremlin, Mr Ivanov said disagreements between Moscow and Washington on security matters should be settled through dialogue.

''This does not mean that everything is cloudless in our relations. We do have disagreements, including those in security matters. It is important that this dialogue should develop, be intensive and this would help settle these issues,'' he said.

Mr Ivanov said rescinding the Jackson-Vanik amendment, which had been restricting trade with Russia, would be a good signal for the advancement of Russian-US relations.

He was referring to the statement yesterday in Moscow by the chairman of the US Congressional Foreign Affairs Committee, Tom Lantos, that the time had come to rescind the amendment.

Russia has also expressed concerns over US plans to deploy elements of its missile shield in Central Europe, near its border, calling it a threat to Russian national security.

UNI