The U.S. and Russia began \restart\ relations
The first bilateral meeting between Sergei Lavrov and Hillary ClintonThe first bilateral meeting between Russian foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of state Hillary Clinton began in Geneva. They meet for a working dinner at the Intercontinental hotel.GENEVA, 7 Mar - RIA Novosti. The Russian foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of state Hillary Clinton pleased with the results of the first negotiations that took place on Friday in Geneva, and we hope to continue dialogue and cooperation on a number of bilateral and global issues.The first meeting of heads of foreign policy departments of Russia and the USA lasted a little longer than the scheduled two hours and took place against the background of the declared Washington's desire to "reset" in relations with Moscow, which were pretty spoiled during the eight-year stay in the White house of George W. Bush.At a press conference following the talks, Clinton called the meeting "very productive". Among the main topics of cooperation, the heads of diplomacy of the two countries called the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan, the resolution on the middle East and the problems the Iranian and North Korean atom."On issues where there are differences, we will work honestly and openly. Both sides showed willingness for this kind of work… Today we have a great chance to build a relationship, a chance not to be missed," said Clinton, adding that both countries are aware of their responsibility for what is happening in the world."We are in addition to those problems that need to be addressed, talked about practical questions, which should facilitate contacts between citizens, protection of the environment", - said in his turn, the head of the Russian foreign Ministry.In addition, according to him, the USA and Russia are interested in the output of economic relations to a new level. Lavrov also said that after talks with Hillary Clinton they have developed "excellent relationship", expressing hope that U.S. Secretary of state agree with him.The US and Russia hope to the end of the year to reach a new agreement on strategic offensive armsThe U.S. and Russia agreed on the workplan for the strategic arms reduction and nonproliferation, Washington hopes that by the end of the year will be able to negotiate a new agreement on strategic offensive weapons, said U.S. Secretary of state Hillary Clinton."We really discussed the issue of control. This is part of the agenda… We are going to the end of the year to prepare the document. This is a high priority for us," said Clinton. According to her, the USA and Russia have already identified some elements of a new Treaty on strategic offensive arms.Lavrov, in turn, also expressed confidence that Russia and the US reached a new agreement on the Treaty by December 5 this year, after expiration of the term of the present Treaty to reduce strategic offensive arms. "We will do everything to reach the goal", he said, noting that the U.S. is ready for a dialogue on strategic interests of Russia.The term of the current contract on reduction of strategic offensive arms (start I) expires on 5 December 2009. It was signed in 1991 by the presidents of the USSR and the USA and was obliged Moscow and Washington to reduce strategic nuclear forces with 10 thousand warheads on each side to 6 thousand.Iran is one of the main topics of the talksAs reported by the heads of foreign ministries of the two countries, one of the important topics of the talks was Iran issue.Lavrov stressed that Russia did not violate international commitments on arms transfers abroad, including in Iran, and in military-technical cooperation with Iran Moscow addresses the concerns of the U.S. and Israel."Issues of military-technical cooperation with Iran and other countries be resolved exclusively in the legal field, in accordance with the legislation of the Russian export, which is one of the strictest in the world and also in accordance with international obligations", - said the Russian Minister."We supply only nestabilities, defensive weapons," said Lavrov, adding that he would like the same restraint against those countries that not so long ago used offensive weapons near the Russian border.In his opinion, the way to remove these concerns is through the intensification of work on the proposals of the group of "five plus one" on Iran. These proposals envisage start of of equal dialogue with the participation of all countries in the region on the issue of ensuring sustainable security.Clinton, in turn, said that the U.S. does not intend to abandon the unilateral and multilateral sanctions against Iran. "We discussed the issue of Iran in great detail. Now conduct the review (foreign policy). We would like to know how to do to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and to stop the support of terrorism through Hamas and Hezbollah, " the Secretary said.According to her, the US will be happy to hear advice and suggestions from Russia on new approaches to this problem.For its part, Lavrov said that Russia is very pleased that the Obama administration is ready to listen to the views of other countries, including Russia.Stabilization in Afghanistan - a common problemA common task for Russia and the US called Sergei Lavrov stabilizing the situation in Afghanistan. "We agreed that we will contribute to the success of the conference on Afghanistan under the aegis of the SCO, which will be held on March 27, in Moscow, as well as the conference, which will be initiated by the USA at the end of March in Europe on the issue of Afghanistan," he said.Problematic issues remain Kosovo and GeorgiaKosovo and Georgia remain problematic issues in respect of which the USA and Russia have so far failed to overcome differences."Kosovo is precisely one of those issues on which we have serious disagreements," Lavrov said, stressing that Moscow still considers an illegal unilateral Declaration of Kosovo's independence. The Russian Minister recalled that Serbia turned on the question of Kosovo's independence to the international court, and added that Russia in this court and Express their opinion.In turn, Clinton in the number of issues on which Washington and Moscow remain serious disagreements, called Georgia. According to her, in this region it is necessary to reduce the level of violence and contribute to the Geneva process".One practical result of the meeting has already been achievedAccording to Sergei Lavrov, despite the "burden", one practical result of the meeting has already been achieved. "We agreed, as a reboot is to be performed in Russian and English. No discrepancies", - said the Minister, referring to the incident with presented him a souvenir - red button for "reset" of relations.As it turned out, the button written in English "reset", and in Russian-"overload". After explanations Lavrov and us Secretary of state laughed and promised that he would try to prevent "overload" in Russian-American relations.Continuing linguistic debate, Clinton said that the word "overload" is also to some extent correct. "We will be overloaded in terms of work," she said, adding that it is a very big agenda.Lavrov agreed with Clinton, saying: "huge Load, but have no desire to get rid of something. The agenda is heavy, but not necessary to compare it with the stone that pushed the mountain of Sisyphus. This stone will certainly savladam".He also expressed the hope that "red button" was pressed, will not compare with the other red button, which was previously a symbol of the possible onset of a devastating war. "We will press the reset button on our constructive relations", - said the head of the Russian foreign Ministry.