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Former President Bush Meets With Putin
Former President George H.W. Bush met Vladimir Putin upon arriving Sunday in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, less than two weeks ahead of his sonâs talks with the Russian leader. Funny how the timing worked out, isnât it? Bush and his wife, Barbara, traveled to Sochi on a plane provided by the airline that serves Putin and other Russia government figures. Putin, his black Labrador retriever nearby, greeted them on the tarmac in English, shaking Bushâs hand and giving Barbara a bouquet of roses. Putin rarely meets even high-level visitors at the airport, and Bush thanked him for his "extraordinary courtesy." Nice he took the time to meet the Bushes on their "un-official" visit. Bush, who Putin returned the praise, suggesting his relationship with the younger Bush transcends politics. "When I talk with the U.S. president, our opinions do not always coincide, but the most important thing is that we have a very good rapport, very good feelings toward each other, and trust," he said. "Plus, I really like the BBQ they serve at the ranch." The warm words set a cordial tone for the summit, which comes as Russia and the United States seek to patch up relations after deep disagreement over the war in Iraq and continued debate about the postwar situation. The Kremlin said last week that Putin and the younger Bush will meet Sept. 26 at Camp David. Russian news agencies quoted an unidentified Kremlin official as saying Saturday that talks in Sochi would focus on the development of Russian-U.S. relations over the past decade and opportunities presented by the upcoming summit. They also will discuss world affairs since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the official said. Uh huh, "un-official visit" my ass. Posted by: Steve 2003-09-15 |
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