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Putin makes no commitment on Iraq, IranHe and Bush pledge cooperation in war on terrorism
CAMP DAVID, Maryland (CNN) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin emerged from talks with President Bush at Camp David with no commitment on his country's cooperation in postwar Iraq or to end its supply of nuclear technology to Iran. However, Putin joined Bush in declaring opposition to the potential development of nuclear weapons by Iran and North Korea. Both leaders also expressed mutual cooperation in the war on terrorism. The Russian president arrived at Camp David on Friday for bilateral talks in the wake of Russia's opposition to the U.S-led war in Iraq. But both leaders insisted that the American-Russian relationship, as well as the personal relationship between the two of them, remain on track despite differences over the war. Putin offered no commitment to increase Russian participation in the postwar reconstruction of Iraq, saying his country's involvement will depend on the scope of a new resolution being considered by the U.N. Security Council. "The degree and the extent and level of Russia's participation in the restoration of Iraq will be determined after we know the parameters of the new resolution," Putin said at a joint news conference with Bush at Camp David. Despite not securing a pledge from Putin to send troops into Iraq, Bush professed to be "encouraged" by their discussions on the issue. "Vladimir and I had some divergent discussions about Iraq. I understood his position. He understood mine. But because we've got a trustworthy relationship, we're able to move beyond any disagreement over a single issue," Bush said. "Plus, I like him. He's a good fellow to spend quality time with. "I recognize that some countries are inhibited from participation because of the lack of a U.N. resolution," he said. "We're working to get a satisfactory resolution out of the U.N. We spent some time discussing that today." In remarks likely to be welcomed in Russia, Bush explicitly linked the international war on terrorism to violence by Islamic separatists in the breakaway republic of Chechnya. "Both of our nations have suffered at the hands of terrorists, and both of our governments are taking actions to stop them," Bush said. "No cause justifies terror. Terrorists must be opposed wherever they spread chaos and destruction, including Chechnya." Bush said a "lasting solution" to the conflict in Chechnya "will require an end to terror, respect for human rights and a political settlement that leads to free and fair elections." Putin said the fundamental strategic interests of Russia and the United States, including increasing economic ties, are "much stronger" than their differences over Iraq. "And in our actions, we wish to be guided by these strategic interests of our two countries without excessive emotions or ambitions," he said. Putin: "Respectful sign to Iran"Among the topics that came up in the discussions between Bush and Putin was Russia's sale of nuclear technology to Iran. Although both the Iranians and the Russians insist the material is being used only for peaceful development of nuclear power, U.S. officials believe Iran is using it to build nuclear weapons. At his joint appearance with Bush, Putin offered no commitment to end Russia's nuclear cooperation with Iran. But he made it clear that Russia was opposed to development of nuclear weapons by Iran -- and that the Iranians must continue to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which verifies compliance with nuclear nonproliferation agreements. "It is our conviction that we shall now give a clear but respectful signal to Iran about the necessity to continue and expand its cooperation with IAEA," Putin said. "Russia has no desire and no plans to contribute in any way to the creation of weapons of mass destruction, either in Iran or in any other region in the world." Bush said his talks with Putin on the Iranian nuclear issue were "very satisfactory from the U.S. point of view" because they reaffirmed that both countries were in agreement about the need to keep Iran out of the club of nations with nuclear arsenals. Concerns about Tehran's nuclear intentions were revived this week after diplomats said traces of weapons-grade uranium had been found at a second site in Iran. (Full story) "We share a goal, and that is to make sure Iran doesn't have a nuclear weapon or a nuclear weapons program," Bush said. "We also understand we need to work together to get Iran to abandon any ambitions she may have." As for the standoff over North Korea's purported nuclear efforts, Putin said the priority should be "to unblock the conflict situation around the Korean Peninsula to create a favorable atmosphere for constructive dialogue. "Russia believes that ensuring a nuclear nonproliferation regime should be accompanied by extending to North Korea guarantees in the sphere of security," he said. Putin said a negotiated settlement to end the U.S. nuclear standoff with North Korea should include such guarantees. (Full story) Copyright 2003 CNN. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Associated Press contributed to this report.
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