The ABM treaty, between the US and the then Soviet Union, limits defence systems designed to shoot down enemy missiles. It was based on the theory that such shields would only tempt the other side to build more missiles in hopes of being able to pierce the defences.

Washington is now trying to amend the treaty to permit it to build a limited defence against any attack on the US or on its troops stationed abroad by what it regards as ``rogue states'' such as North Korea or Iran.

The resolution, which Russia introduced in the assembly's disarmament and international security committee on Thursday, would call for ``renewed efforts...to preserve and strengthen the ABM treaty through full and strict compliance.''

It would reiterate that ``there shall be no deployment ofanti-ballistic missile systems for a defence of the territory of its country and no provision of a base for such defence.'' Nor would the transfer to other states of anti-ballistic missile systems or their components be allowed.

Another paragraph of the draft would express support for ``the efforts of the international community aimed at preventing any attempts to undermine or circumvent the ABM treaty.''

General Assembly resolutions are not binding.

Talks have been taking place in Moscow between US and Russian officials focusing on Washington's call for changes in the ABM treaty. Russia, as well as China and Belarus, regard the treaty as the cornerstone of global nuclear deterrence and strongly oppose any modifications.

Introducing the draft in the UN committee on Thursday, Anatoly Antonov of Russia said it was ``not of a confrontational nature,'' was not targeted against any country and did not infringe on anyone's interests.

He said that, for a quarter of a century, the treaty had been acornerstone of strategic stability and international security. If it were undermined or liquidated,'' the whole system of international agreements in the sphere of arms control would collapse,'' he added.