61.   Russia has strongly objected, saying that such a defense could unravel all nuclear arms control treaties with Washington.

62.   Russia opposes the American missile program, which it says would shatter existing arms control treaties and possibly trigger another arms race.

63.   Russia, China and U.S. allies in the European Union say the national shield violates arms control treaties and could trigger a dangerous new arms race.

64.   Security Council calls on Pakistan and India to sign arms control treaties.

65.   Speaking to reporters, Annan said he deplored both the Indian and Pakistani tests and urged the two countries to sign the arms control treaties.

66.   Some lawmakers said the ABM withdrawal gave Russia the right to withdraw from the START II treaty arms control treaty.

67.   The draft resolution urges both countries to halt the development of missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads and calls on them to sign nuclear arms control treaties.

68.   The government on Friday asked parliament to ratify the Kyoto climate control treaty, saying the agreement should go into force soon despite U.S. rejection.

69.   The lower house, the State Duma, has delayed consideration of the arms control treaty until autumn.

70.   The Kremlin, which wants swift ratification of the START II arms control treaty, chastised parliament on Wednesday for putting off a decision until at least September.