U.S. Secretary of State arrives in Moscow
New Kosovo resolution is expected to top the agenda of the U.S.- Russia bilateral meetings in Moscow.
Monday, 14.05.2007.
10:05
U.S. Secretary of State arrives in Moscow
Upon her arrival in the Russian capital, Rice said that it was"not an easy" time in Russia-U.S. relations, but that "the tensions do not amount to a new Cold War."Rice will talk to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov today, while the meeting with President Vladimir Putin has been scheduled for tomorrow.
Russian officials say they are preparing for calm and positive talks with Rice on her two-day visit, in marked contrast to the shrill tone of exchanges between Moscow and Washington in the past few months.
"Russia and the United States have many issues for which we either cooperate or need to review our positions," Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Kislyak said in an interview with RIA Novosti on the eve of Rice's visit. "These include economic, political and humanitarian issues," he said.
As for the issue of Kosovo, Russia and the U.S.’s diverging positions have been made clear. Russia's ambassador to the United Nations said over the weekend that it was "becoming more and more likely" his country would veto a Security Council draft resolution -- backed by Washington -- which would give the province effective independence.
Belgrade negotiating team coordinator Slobodan Samardžić said that Churkin’s statement was of immense importance, as a new chapter in Kosovo status settlement process might be opened.
“Nothing can remain the same after that statement, since the U.S. is now facing reality that their resolution will fall short of garnering necessary support in the UN Security Council,” he said.
In the meantime, Kosovo Albanian leaders continue lobbying for the province’s independence, as Kosovo president Fatmir Sejdiu goes to Brussels later today.
According to Russian experts, the upcoming visit of the U.S. Secretary of State could prevent further deterioration of relations between the two countries.
"We are expecting a serious discussion on serious problems, both from the perspective of our own security and of European security," Kislyak said.
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