Obama Seeks Improved Relations with Russia

No “secret proposals” to abandon missile defense, officials say

By David McKeeby
Staff Writer

Washington — The United States seeks improved relations with Russia through strengthened partnerships to confront a wide range of shared diplomatic and security challenges, says President Obama.

“My hope is that we can have a constructive relationship where, based on common respect and mutual interest, we can move forward,” Obama said at the White House March 3 during a joint press appearance with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

Since taking office, Obama has exchanged letters and several phone calls with his Russian counterpart, President Dmitry Medvedev, on ways to rebuild ties between Washington and Moscow. Those ties have been strained in recent years by Russia’s 2008 invasion of Georgia, as well as the Kremlin’s concerns about NATO expansion and a proposed European-based missile defense system. (more)