MMC
05-09-2012, 09:53 PM
Russian President Vladimir Putin told President Barack Obama on Wednesday that he will be skipping next week's high-stakes G8 economic summit and sending Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev in his place, the White House announced.
In a telephone conversation with Obama, Putin cited "his responsibilities to finalize Cabinet appointments in the new Russian government" in declining the invitation to join leaders of the world's richest nations at Camp David May 18-19.
The White House announcement came after a war of words between Washington and Moscow over a Russian security crackdown on demonstrations in the aftermath of Putin's election as president.
Putin, who has loudly condemned American plans to deploy a missile defense system in Europe, used anti-American rhetoric during his recent presidential campaign, notably accusing Secretary of State Hillary Clinton of encouraging "mercenary" critics of the Kremlin. Obama came to office vowing a "reset" of relations with Russia. The White House says that policy has netted successes, like Moscow's support for operations to supply American troops in Afghanistan.
The Obama administration has signaled support for Russia's application to join the World Trade Organization. That would require Congress to undo a Cold War-era law, the Jackson-Vanik amendment — a step that could face opposition from Moscow's critics in the House and Senate, though support from the American business community is expected to push that repeal to passage.....snip~
http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/ticket/putin-tells-obama-ll-skip-g8-summit-232104167.html
Seems all is not so easy going with the Russians. Putin will give Obama some major headaches. Looks like starting from Square One.
In a telephone conversation with Obama, Putin cited "his responsibilities to finalize Cabinet appointments in the new Russian government" in declining the invitation to join leaders of the world's richest nations at Camp David May 18-19.
The White House announcement came after a war of words between Washington and Moscow over a Russian security crackdown on demonstrations in the aftermath of Putin's election as president.
Putin, who has loudly condemned American plans to deploy a missile defense system in Europe, used anti-American rhetoric during his recent presidential campaign, notably accusing Secretary of State Hillary Clinton of encouraging "mercenary" critics of the Kremlin. Obama came to office vowing a "reset" of relations with Russia. The White House says that policy has netted successes, like Moscow's support for operations to supply American troops in Afghanistan.
The Obama administration has signaled support for Russia's application to join the World Trade Organization. That would require Congress to undo a Cold War-era law, the Jackson-Vanik amendment — a step that could face opposition from Moscow's critics in the House and Senate, though support from the American business community is expected to push that repeal to passage.....snip~
http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/ticket/putin-tells-obama-ll-skip-g8-summit-232104167.html
Seems all is not so easy going with the Russians. Putin will give Obama some major headaches. Looks like starting from Square One.