Putin Vexes US over Iran Nuclear Power
The Moscow Times comments that visiting Moscow to address the "floundering reset of bilateral ties", US Secretary of State Clinton's mission started with an announcement from Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin that Russia would be helping Iran complete its civil nuclear power station by summer 2010. However, this trip will be Clinton's first official meeting with Putin since becoming President Barack Obama's top diplomat.
Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that the talks would touch on a "wide range of issues, including international and trade relations." A Russian foreign ministry spokesman added that regional issues, including Russia's relations with Georgia and Ukraine, were discussed during a meeting between US Assistant Secretary of State Philip Gordon and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin
When asked about Putin's statement on Iran, Clinton said it "would be premature to go forward with any project at this time, because we want to send an unequivocal message to the Iranians". The Financial Times notes that Clinton is trying to build support for United Nations sanctions on Iran and has enjoyed more success in winning over Russia.