From Deseret News archives:
Putin gives Bush new alternatives for missile defense system that Moscow opposes
It was unclear whether the United States considered Putin's ideas acceptable.
The two leaders, meeting at the oceanfront compound of Bush's father, sought to restart U.S.-Russian relations after months of acrimony.
"Do I trust him?" Bush said of Putin, standing alongside the Russian leader on the craggy Atlantic shoreline. "Yes, I trust him."
"There are times when we've agreed on issues and there are times when we haven't agreed on issues."
Last month, Putin surprised Bush in Germany by proposing a Soviet-era early warning radar in Azerbaijan as a substitute for the radar and interceptors the United States wants to place in Poland and the Czech Republic. Washington has been clear it doubts the Azerbaijan facility is up to becoming a substitute.
The Russian leader added new suggestions Monday.
Putin proposed incorporating a radar system in southern Russia and bringing more European nations into the decision-making process about how the shield is structured. He suggested information-sharing centers in Moscow and possibly Brussels as a way to strengthen the Washington-Moscow national security relationship.
Bush called the Russian leader's latest missile defense idea "very sincere" and "very innovative."
However, the president said, "I think the Czech Republic and Poland need to be an integral part of the system."
Stephen Hadley, Bush's national security adviser, acknowledged that the two leaders do not have completely "harmonious" views about missile defense. But he said Putin's idea showed the Russian leader was serious about cooperating on the issue. Hadley cited Putin's idea to upgrade Azerbaijan station, setting up information-exchange centers and using the NATO-Russia Council as a forum for involving interested European nations in the discussion.
Both leaders smiled and seemed eager to portray a strong, stable relationship between the two nations. Putin is the first head of state to be hosted at the Maine summer home by President Bush, an attempt to warm relations in a place of sparkling views and summertime weather.
Bush said that while Putin sometimes says things he doesn't like to hear, he is convinced that Putin is telling the truth.
Comments
- Afghan vows to keep out corruption 10:35 a.m.
- Anti-Taliban mayor killed in Pakistan 10:27 a.m.
- Dalai Lama visits town near Tibet 10:26 a.m.
- Some saw trouble ahead for Hasan 10:21 a.m.
- China pledges funds, aid to Africa 10:20 a.m.
- 40 dead in El Salvador flooding 10:19 a.m.
- Dixie campus briefs 1:10 a.m.
- Westminster campus briefs 1:09 a.m.
- UVU campus briefs 1:07 a.m.
- Utah Utes campus briefs 1:07 a.m.
- Gay advocates trek to LDS office
207 - Dirk does dirty work in Dallas
190 - Lobo suspended
173 - Cougars crush hapless Cowboys
138 - House passes health care bill
136 - Speed has never been BYU's game
136 - RSL rallies to advance
102 - Thousands protest health bill
100 - Provo company innovating engines
98 - BYU cuts Women's Research Institute
87
Why do so many people live so close to refineries in Utah and elsewhere?
Finally we get to see the "execution at a high level" that Bronco has been...
That was a total domination game, Cougars, in all phases of the football...
so reactionary. Yeah, she went overboard, but this stuff happens all the...
Amen. Like a proposed California amendment, Utahn's should stand up against...
Well folks, Wyoming coach Dave Christensen's comments sums it up: ...
How can you say that "once again BYU comes up short..."? Here's a stat to...
..........lost for over a decade! The only time he looked good was when we...
Don't read the article then if it bothers you. All its doing is showing how...
Somehow, we are missing the boat when it comes to taking seriously the Lord's...
I do feel sorry for children all over the world, not just here. How should i...


You can be the first to comment on this story.