06.03.2000 ANOTHER ROUND OF RUSSIAN-AMERICAN CONSULTATIONS ON THE START-3 TREATY AND THE ABM TREATY WAS HELD IN GENEVA ON FEBRUARY 29-MARCH 2 IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE COLOGNE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PRESIDENTS OF RUSSIA AND US OF JUNE 20, 1999 ¹ 117

The Russian side believes there is a close interconnection between the reduction of strategic offensive weapons and the preservation of limitations on defensive systems. It reaffirmed its readiness, after the ratification of START-2 and provided the ABM Treaty remains in force and is complied with, to immediately embark on formal negotiations on START-3.

With respect to the ABM Treaty the Russian side has presented a well-argued case to prove that the modification of the Treaty proposed by the US would render it meaningless, would make reductions of strategic weapons impossible and for that reason cannot be subject to negotiations.The two sides have agreed to continue the consultations.