05/19/2008

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Strategic Framework critical to ongoing relations
By Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr.
Staff Writer

Washington -- Relations between the United States and Russia involve notable concerns, but also a degree of promise. And the United States looks forward to working with the new administration of President Dmitry Medvedev, says a senior U.S. diplomat.

In a February 15 speech by then-presidential candidate Medvedev in Krasnoyarsk, he said that economic modernization of Russia would require support for the rule of law, a campaign against corruption, protection of property rights and investment in human capital, says Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Fried.

"We welcome this suggestion that President Medvedev sees Russia's future in these progressive terms, and are ready to work with him to advance this agenda and a foreign policy agenda similarly based on a modern sense of Russia's place in the world," Fried said in May 8 testimony before the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe.

"Yet, we cannot do more than speculate what changes there will be in the Russian government and in Russian policy."

Dmitry Medvedev was sworn in as Russia's president May 7 inside the Grand Kremlin Palace in a ceremony that mixed the grandeur of the czarist era with that of modern Russia. Former President Vladimir Putin, who left office after eight years as president, was approved overwhelmingly May 8 by the Duma, the Russian parliament's lower house, as prime minister. Medvedev promptly approved the appointment.

Fried, assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian affairs, said that U.S. policy will remain consistent. "We seek to cooperate with the government of Russia wherever our interests overlap, and we will do so in working with President Medvedev. And we will continue to stand by our principles and friends, dealing frankly with differences when these arise," he said.

A crucial element to help guide the Medvedev administration’s dealings with the United States and that is the foundation of current U.S.-Russian relations is the Strategic Framework Declaration adopted by Bush and Putin at a meeting in Sochi, Russia, April 6, he said. It will also serve as a guide for the next U.S. president, who takes office in January 2009.

"The Strategic Framework Declaration outlines key elements of new and ongoing strategic initiatives between the two countries, including steps to promote security in the face of new and emerging threats; prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction; combat global terrorism; and advance economic cooperation," Fried said.

On security, the United States and Russia agreed to continue reducing nuclear weapons stockpiles to "the lowest possible level," while meeting national security needs. And the two countries agreed to intensify talks on missile defense cooperation, he said. In addition, the United States and Russia agreed to prevent arms sales if such sales undermine regional security, and to deny arms to terrorists.

"With regard to Iran's nuclear program, the United States and Russia remain committed to diplomatic efforts to achieve a negotiated solution guaranteeing that Iran's nuclear program is exclusively for peaceful purposes," Fried said.

Bush and Putin also agreed to deepen and expand economic cooperation in the public and private sectors, while also eliminating obstacles to trade and investment, he said. "In order to provide a stable and predictable environment for investment and to strengthen investor confidence, the United States and Russia will advance efforts on a new Bilateral Investment Treaty," he said.

Of significant concern to the United States and Russia is cooperation on energy, Fried said. "As a result, the leaders tasked the existing U.S.-Russia energy Working Group to find ways to enhance energy security and diversity of energy supplies," he said.

The final element in the Strategic Framework is combating climate change. That means, Fried said, the United States and Russia will work with other major economies in advancing key elements of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change.

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