The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 09-07-08

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From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] âNew Eraâ in US-Russia Relations

US President Barrack Obama meeting with Russian Prime-minister Vladimir Putin was held in a positive climate. Obama praised Putin's âextraordinary workâ and spoke of a new era in US-Russia's relations with common targets to the benefit of both peoples. He also underlined that the US look forward to a close relation in all sectors between the two countries.

Obama made special reference to the antimissile shield in Europe which sparked tension between the two countries. In a speech to students at Moscow's Economic University he underlined that a "reset" in prickly Russia-U.S. relations was not just a matter for two presidents but needed to involve many more people and called on citizens, business people and companies to play apart in improving ties and boosting trade.

Russian Foreign Minister said that materialization of the US antimissile system in its total would put at risk future reduction of strategic armaments.

The two sides signed eight separate agreements, including a pact to cut their respective nuclear arsenals by one-third within seven years of the signing of the treaty. Russia also agreed to allow the US military to fly troops and supplies across its territory into Afghanistan. The US did not want to include the antimissile plan for Europe in negotiations for armament reduction but left open possibility for a separate agreement.

There were also meetings between the two countries businessmen aimed to achieve many million trade relations between the two countries. Trade between Russia and the United States amounted to just $36 billion last year -- about the same amount as Russian trade with Poland -- and investment is also relatively low. Obama noted that the percentage share of Russian trade in total United States trade had not risen since the Cold War.

The Russian side annoyed by Obama's meetings with senior members of the opposition indicated reserved optimism rather waiting for specific results.

Sources: ÍÅÔ, ÍÅÔ 105.8, ÁNA, French

News item: 24549

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