URGENT: Russia, U.S. continue dialogue on strategic arms, missile defense

WINDHOEK, June 25 (RIA Novosti) - Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said on Thursday that dialogue is continuing with Washington on linking strategic arms reduction with the U.S. plans to deploy missile defenses in central Europe.

"No one has closed doors so far. We are continuing dialogue on these issues with our American partners, including on the link between missile defenses and strategic arms reductions," Medvedev told a news conference in the capital of Namibia, Windhoek.

Russia and the U.S. have been involved in comprehensive talks over a new nuclear arms reduction deal to replace the START 1 treaty, which expires in December.