In remarks to reporters, a senior U.S. administration official confirmed today that the possible negotiations with Russia next month will not be limited to Russian proposals on security.

Noting that "no specific location or date has been established," the official said that "Washington is ready for security talks with Moscow early next month."

"Potential talks will also include concerns about Russia's steps and activities."

The official explained that "the United States will not respond publicly to Russian proposals on security and Moscow understands that."

He went on to say: "The Russian Government has publicly told us that it should prepare to meet in early January, and we have not yet set a date or venue for those talks."

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov reportedly announced last Monday that Moscow had not yet received a response from Washington on Russian proposals on security assurances.

According to Ryabkov, Moscow believes that Washington will not reject Russian proposals on security assurances.

In response to a question about whether Russian proposals on security assurances would affect a possible meeting between the Russian and American Presidents, he replied, "Let's see if there will be a rejection. Frankly, I think there will be no rejection as such. "

Ryabkov also stressed that Moscow had not yet decided whether to abandon the moratorium on medium- and short-range missiles in Europe if the United States and NATO did not accept Russian proposals on security assurances.