Russia, U.S. to resume arms talk in early February - Lavrov

Russia and the United States will resume talks on a new strategic arms deal at the start of February, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday, RIA Novosti reported.

A new document to replace the START I treaty, which expired on December 5, has not been finalized yet over disagreements on verification and control arrangements.

"I hope that the remaining questions will be swiftly solved when negotiations resume, and they will resume at the very start of February," he said.

He added that bilateral consultations were ongoing at the level of chiefs of staff, which "will help reach compromise solutions."

An outline for a new treaty, as agreed by the Russian and U.S. presidents, includes cutting nuclear arsenals to 1,500-1,675 operational warheads and delivery vehicles to 500-1,000.

Dmitry Medvedev and Barack Obama announced at their first meeting in April that the countries would replace the START I treaty as part of their efforts to "reset" bilateral ties.