U.S.-Russia Relations Improved, but Not Perfect
"We resolved to reset U.S.-Russian relations, so that we can cooperate more effectively in areas of common interest," said Mr. Obama as he and Medvedev formally announced the deals their talks were designed to finalize:
** A commitment to negotiate by year's end a further reduction in the numbers of nuclear warheads in the U.S. and Russian arsenals to between 1,500 and 1,675. The same deal would also limit the number of delivery vehicles to between 500 and 1,100.
** A joint statement to pursue further cooperation in efforts to stem the proliferation of ballistic missiles, which can be used as strategic delivery vehicles for nuclear weapons.
** An agreement allowing the U.S. to transport military personnel, equipment and weapons through Russian airspace to Afghanistan. Deal permits 4,500 flights a year. White House says it will save the U.S. $133-million annually.
** A joint statement to expand cooperation to prevent the further proliferation of nuclear weapons and stop acts of nuclear terrorism.
** A new framework for the Joint Commission on POWs and MIAs. It's a stepped up effort to resolve the fates of unaccounted-for military personnel who served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the Cold War – including Soviet military forces in Afghanistan.
** A Memorandum of Understanding for expanded cooperation in the fields of public health and medical science, including research and treatment on HIV/AIDS.
** An agreement signed today by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Adm. Mike Mullen and his Russian counterpart, resuming military-to-military cooperation between the U.S. and Russia. The new framework includes exchange of military cadets and a joint exercise in response to a hijacked aircraft.
These deals reflect an effort by both sides to rebuild the U.S-Russian relationship which turned decisively sour in August of last year after Russia's attacks on neighboring Georgia. Then- President Bush condemned the Russian invasion as "bullying and intimidation." The situation remains a contentious issue.
And Russia is still adamantly opposed to American plans to install anti-missile missiles in Eastern Europe.
"This is a point of deep concern and sensitivity to the Russian government," acknowledged Mr. Obama. Like his predecessor, he says Russia has no reason to fear such a project as the missiles would target an attack by Iran or other rogue state, not Russia.
Medvedev calls it "a step forward" that the Obama Administration is reviewing the missile defense program and will share its findings and decisions with Russia.
"Our understanding is that these decisions do concern us and we will have to come to terms on these positions," said Medvedev.
It means the suspicions and rivalries of the past may be diminished, but are definitely not yet buried.
