

Russia offers NATO a compromise over arms treaty

Russia has offered NATO a compromise in order to break the deadlock over the stalled Conventional Forces in Europe treaty (CFE).

The country's Chief of General Staff for the Armed Forces, Yury Baluevsky, has proposed that Russia be given more flexibility in moving troops within its own territory.

The idea was put forward at a meeting between Russia and NATO in Brussels.

Baluevsky said he hopes a compromise can be reached, adding that Russia's only other option would be to quit the treaty altogether.

The CFE pact was signed in the early 1990s to limit the deployment of tanks, aircraft and other weapons in Europe.

But Russia suspended its participation last year, saying the deal became meaningless when some former Soviet nations joined the U.S-led military allaince.