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Russian-US Relationship is Strong, say Foreign Ministers after Moscow Talks
Lisa McAdams
Moscow
Russian President Vladimir Putin has begun talks at the Kremlin with visiting
Secretary of State Colin Powell. Mr. Powell earlier met with Foreign Minister
Igor Ivanov for talks ranging from fighting terrorism to promoting democracy.
Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov and Secretary of State Colin Powell say
the U.S.-Russian relationship is strong.
Addressing reporters before talks in Moscow, both leaders said they would discuss
ways to enhance cooperation in matters of regional and international concern.
While each said the bilateral relationship is on a sound footing, there are
signs of discord.
In a front-page article published in the Russian daily Izvestia, Secretary
Powell expressed unease about democratization in Russia, as well as the ongoing
war in Chechnya. He also questioned Moscow's treatment of neighboring former
Soviet republics.
In his talks with President Putin, Mr. Powell is expected to press for greater
cooperation from Moscow for the U.S.-led fight against global terrorism. Other
issues on the agenda include Iraqi reconstruction efforts, American concerns
about nuclear proliferation and tension in Afghanistan and the Middle East.
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