Russia says it is ready for dialogue with US on missile defense

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Russia is ready for further dialogue with the United States on missile defense cooperation, a top official said Monday after Moscow received formal proposals from Washington aimed at easing tension over the divisive issue. While First Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov accused the United States of aggressive military activity in Europe, his comments signaled more flexibility than the initial Russian reaction to the proposals the US submitted in writing last week. "We are ready for dialogue, but at the same time we are of course guided by our national interests, and if our partner has new military capabilities next to our borders ... we probably have to think about it," Ivanov told Russian News Service radio.