Nikonov said Russia's response might be to put multiple warheads on its newest generation of strategic missiles.

CNN: Bush to quit ABM treaty Thursday

America would be concerned, argues Mr Nikonov, if Mexico and Canada were to join a military organisation led by Russia.

ECONOMIST: Russian worries about Western encirclement are premature

"Anything that would keep Saakashvili further away from the instruments of power is a plus for Russian-Georgian relations, " said Vyacheslav Nikonov, deputy head of the Russian parliament's international affairs committee.

BBC: Georgia election: US and Russia hail parliamentary vote