Russia may offer US Afghan access

Russia has agreed to discuss the transit of American military supplies to Afghanistan across its territory.The foreign ministry in Moscow said Russia was ready to co-operate if asked by the US.Last month, Russia began allowing the movement of non-lethal supplies to US and Nato forces in Afghanistan.The new offer of discussions comes a day after Russia and the US agreed to resume negotiations on reducing their nuclear arsenals.Washington has been seeking alternative supply routes into Afghanistan since militants in Pakistan stepped up attacks on shipments moving by road.Kyrgyzstan has also decided to close the Manas US air base on its territory, further limiting the US's options.