Missile shield dominates Ivanov talks

Ivanov seeks explanations on the anti-missile defence shield

Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov has arrived in Washington for two days of intensive talks with the new US administration on arms control and missile defence.

We hope that in Washington we will get clarification on questions which remain on the anti-missile plan

Igor Ivanov

Mr Ivanov is to hold meetings with President Bush, Secretary of State Colin Powell and national security adviser Condoleezza Rice.

Mr Ivanov said he would seek explanations on the anti-missile defence shield that President Bush made clear he will develop regardless of Russian and Chinese objections.

"We hope that in Washington we will get clarification on questions which remain on the anti-missile plan," Mr Ivanov said.

"We intend to set down our position and initiatives on boosting strategic stability so that no one's interests are hurt," he added.

Russian objections

Last week, a team of American experts went to Moscow but failed to persuade the Russians to drop their objections to the proposed missile shield.

Powell wants to hold talks on a new arms control treaty

Russia opposes the plans, saying they threaten international strategic stability.

The Russians echoed comments made in other capitals, namely that the Americans were thin on detail and that the talks raised more questions that they answered.

Mr Powell said earlier in the week that the two sides might begin to discuss the wording of a new arms control treaty.

Russia and China denounce Mr Bush's suggestion that the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty is obsolete.

Presidential meeting

The Bush administration says a post-Cold War system must be developed to protect against "rogue states" like North Korea and Iraq.

The system faces diplomatic hurdles

Igor Ivanov and Colin Powell will also prepare for the first meeting between President Bush and President Putin.

The two leaders are both due to attend an international summit in Italy in July but officials are keeping open the possibility of an earlier meeting.

Mr Ivanov expressed his hope that the period of difficulties which Russia and the US encountered at the start of the new US administration's activities is over.

"Opportunities to establish constructive and mutually beneficial cooperation are opening up now. Moscow is ready for this, is interested in this," he added.