MOSCOW, May 28 (RIA Novosti) - Senator John McCain's recent remarks on nuclear disarmament and cooperation with Moscow send a positive signal that should not be ignored, a senior Russian MP said on Wednesday.

Addressing a crowd at the University of Denver on Tuesday, the Republican Party presidential nominee said he was in favor of new arms control agreements, including a replacement for the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, START I, which expires in 2009.

He also vowed to work more closely with Russia on nuclear disarmament reducing arsenals "to the lowest number possible, consistent with our security requirements and global commitments."

"Russia and the United States are no longer mortal enemies," McCain said, and they have "a special responsibility" to reduce their nuclear arsenals.

Konstantin Kosachev, head of the State Duma International Affairs Committee, said McCain's Denver speech is in marked contrast to his previous "escapades," including threats to exclude Moscow from the Group of 8 industrialized countries.

"I would not rush to accuse him of being inconsistent. It is more important for us to see this as a signal, a trend and (or) outline of a foreign policy course [to be pursued] by one of the more genuine candidates for president in a country whose position is crucial for the balance of security in the world," he said.

He said Russia "should not ignore this signal" and show that the issues raised by McCain "take precedence over personal preferences."

He said McCain could count on a positive response from Russia in that respect.