Russia is a guarantor of international security...

In an exclusive interview with RIA Novosti, Colom, who had arrived in Russia on a three-day official visit March 21, said Moscow was making important steps in nuclear disarmament.

Earlier in the day, he met with President Dmitry Medvedev in the Kremlin to discuss trade and economic ties, energy cooperation, the fight against drug trafficking and cooperation in tourism.

Colom praised Russia"s "maturity," which was key to preserving a security balance in the world.

"Russian maturity was indispensable for this balance. Russia, without a doubt, is a guarantor of international security," he said.

The Guatemalan president said he had expressed hope for an early finalization of a Russian-U.S. strategic arms reduction pact.

A Russian deputy foreign minister said earlier on Monday that Moscow and Washington "are literally on the verge" and that the pact could be finalized within a few days.

Russia and the United States have been negotiating a strategic

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