51.   The United States showed little interest in a proposal by Putin for deeper cuts in strategic arms than current U.S.-Russia arms accords would provide.

52.   These include one on European security, setting out areas of agreement, a second on strategic arms control, and a third on economic aid to Russia.

53.   Underscoring U.S.-Russian cooperation, signing of two sets of strategic arms control agreements were set for later Friday.

54.   He said before being hoisted into his plane for that he would discuss the possibility of a new START III treaty to limit strategic nuclear arms.

55.   Another US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that Clinton would make new proposals to President Boris Yeltsin on the START strategic nuclear arms treaty.

56.   Clinton, speaking before his departure for the Finnish capital, also urged the Russian Duma to ratify the START II strategic arms reduction treaty.

57.   Discussions on the reduction of strategic arms between the United States and Russia are due to take place later this month.

58.   The parameters of future strategic offensive arms reductions and verification mechanisms will be set out in a legally mandatory document, he added.

59.   The Senate Foreign Relations Committee Tuesday approved the START II strategic arms reduction treaty between the United States and Russia, sending the measure to the full Senate.

60.   The report noted that the destruction of strategic nuclear arms had been continued both in Russia and in the other former Soviet nuclear republics.