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“That, however, is a bit in abeyance, but it's not because the United States isn't interested. We'd very much like to work with them. We and the Russians have more experience in verification and elimination than any other countries in the world, and we hope that things can evolve in a positive way so that we can move forward on a post-START agreement that we can bring the Russians back into compliance with their obligations under the Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty and a number of other areas.”
Asked why the verification is held up, DeSutter said wryly: “you may have noticed some activities in Georgia.”
“They've not been providing data. That decision was made a little over a year ago, and then they ceased their compliance” around December, she said.
DeSutter also said Russia has “not been very forthcoming” in a number of arms verification areas.
Russia’s predecessor, the Soviet Union, had a reputation for failing to comply with arms control agreements and was caught in numerous violations of strategic arms treaties.
Russia is expected to suffer negative economic consequences as a result of the military action, including capital flight and failing stock prices, U.S. officials predict.
The military conflict also could lead to blocking Russian membership in the World Trade Organization and could affect plans for the 2014 Olympics in Sochi.
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