It also disseminates best practice measures and initiatives dealing with small arms issues.

The key question, however, is whether Washington and Moscow are really willing to make the concessions on arms issues to cement an understanding.

But the two sides have discussed other arms issues in other forums.

The introduction of the draft treaty was Moscow's third major move on arms issues in 10 days.

But the proposals also raise questions about the cogency of previous American arguments on conventional arms issues.

But officials and independent experts say that there will be no all-party talks until the arms issue is resolved.

American officials said the talks today concentrated on strategic arms issues and would probably take up conventional arms questions later.

The Irish presidency also pledges that it will be highlighting conventional arms issues.

Cooperation on arms issues requires special consideration of technologies with dual applications.

Iraq is seeking a review not only of arms issues but also its record in other areas, like returning Kuwaiti prisoners and property.