Vladimir Putin makes positive noises toward US

Calcutta News.Net
Friday 5th December, 2008

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has said the United States will feel a positive change in attitude from Moscow if President-elect Barack Obama is more friendly with Russia.

In a question and answer session with members of the Russian public, he avoided his previous harsh rhetoric toward outgoing president George Bush.

Putin said he had perceived a more conciliatory tone toward Russia from aides to the US President-elect and was further heartened by NATO's decision this week not to allow membership to Georgia and Ukraine.

The Russia/Georgia war this year caused enmity between the US and Russia, which was reminiscent of the Cold War era.

The US plans to locate elements of its missile shield system in Europe have still not changed, although Putin said he hoped the new President would cancel the proposals.

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