| Bush thinks Putin supports Islamists The protracted freeze in relations between Russia and the United States seems to be finally being replaced by a thaw. During a visit to Washington last weekend, Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov agreed on the timing of the first meeting between Vladimir Putin and George Bush. It will take place on June 16 in the capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana. Previously, it was assumed that the rendezvous between the two leaders would take place only in July, and even then within the framework of the G8 summit in Genoa.
Ivanov's three days in Washington were probably the most eventful period of bilateral relations since the Republicans came to the White House. On Friday alone, the Russian minister met with his counterpart Colin Powell four times, including at his home. The busy schedule did not bring any diplomatic breakthroughs. Ivanov confirmed that no compromise had been reached regarding the national missile defense system, the most pressing problem. However, as Ivanov himself told American journalists, “this is not an issue that can be resolved in one day.” Whether Ivanov and Powell succeeded in moving the relationship forward will have to be judged by indirect evidence. Such, for example, as the UN Security Council meeting this week, where sanctions against Iraq will be discussed. According to Ivanov, “we have a common understanding of the ultimate goal.”
The barely emerging renaissance in relations between Moscow and Washington immediately came under threat. Yesterday, the reputable German magazines Der Spiegel and Focus published protocols of confidential negotiations between George Bush and Chancellor Gerhard Schröder. The interlocutors decided to deny Russia economic assistance until it solves the problem of capital flight - apparently, we are talking primarily about negotiations with the Paris Club on the restructuring of Moscow's debt. According to Bush, before helping Russia, it is necessary to study Putin's goals and ensure that he stops arming Iran and "supporting Islamic fundamentalism." Schröder responded by sharing his personal impression of Putin: a native of the Soviet elite who was able to “outgrow” it. According to the German leader, Vladimir Putin is certainly trying to carry out long-term economic reforms; the question is whether he can overcome the opposition of Conservative officials. It is curious that the Russian president impressed the chancellor as a deeply religious man. Evgeny ANTONOV |
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