|
Bush, Putin unable to agree
06/04/2008 13:35 - (SA)
Sochi - US President George W Bush and Russia's Vladimir Putin failed to resolve differences over missile defence at a farewell summit on Sunday but pledged to leave a positive legacy for their successors.
The two leaders, nearing the end of their presidencies,
signed a declaration which expressed their readiness to search
for a compromise on the missile shield, an issue that has helped
drive ties between their countries to a post-Cold War low.
Putin restated his firm opposition to the US plans and the
leaders wrapped up their two-day summit in the Black Sea resort
of Sochi by acknowledging more work was needed to bridge their
differences on the issue.
"I want to be understood correctly. Strategically, no change
happened in our ... attitude to US plans," Putin told
reporters at a joint news briefing with Bush.
Some positive developments
"At the same time there are some positive developments. Our
concerns were finally heard by the US side," Putin said. "I am
cautiously optimistic that we will reach an agreement."
Standing alongside each other after a morning of talks,
Putin and Bush, who have built a warm personal rapport despite
severe strains between their countries, paid warm tributes to
each other at what will be their last meeting as heads of state.
Earlier, Bush had talks with Putin's protege Dmitry
Medvedev, who will take over as Russian president on May 7.
"He seemed like a straight-forward fellow, he seemed like
someone who would tell me what's on his mind," Bush said. "My
first impressions are very positive, a smart fellow."
The only agreement signed in Sochi was a declaration on the
"strategic framework" of US-Russian relations, aimed at
encapsulating the legacy they will bequeath to their successors.
The document noted areas where the United States and Russia
are already cooperating, including trade, nuclear
non-proliferation and counter-terrorism, but also mapped out
ways to narrow differences, including on the shield.
- Reuters
|
News
