Bush, Putin Seek Unity Among Differences

AP ^ | 11/17/05 | Terence Hunt

[conservativegamer]

Glossing over differences straining their political relationship, President Bush and Russian President Vladimir Putin greeted each other warmly Friday in talks expected to emphasize cooperation in the war on terror and the campaign to stop North Korea's nuclear ambitions.

The two leaders apparently were still at odds over how to address Iran's nuclear program. There also were long-running differences over the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq and U.S. concern that Russia is retreating from democracy. Exchanging pleasantries, they offered no public remarks on the issues they face.

. . .

Bush and Putin have generally agreed on a need to avert the spread of nuclear weapons technology to other nations, including North Korea. Russia is a partner with the United States, China, Japan and South Korea in talks aimed at persuading North Korea to halt its nuclear program in return for energy and security guarantees.

The political relationship between Bush and Putin has frayed, in part because of U.S. concerns that Putin is consolidating power in the Kremlin and eroding democratic advances in post-Soviet Russia.

While Russia backed the United States in the war in Afghanistan, Putin vehemently opposed the invasion of Iraq.

[conservativegamer]

I'd like to see Russia begin to ally behind us, but I'd also like to see Putin take a more democratic friendly stance toward his own nation and people.

[Thunder90]

I would like to see Russia take five stances for reform:
1. No Ex or current communist/KGB/Military/nationalist would be allowed to run for high office. (NO KPRF/NBP/Mother Russia canadites allowed)
2. Putin to immedately resign and hand over power to reformers.
3. Russia to immedatly stop all weapons sales to rogue states and the PRC.
4. End of communist symbology... Bury Lenin, smash Red Square, take down ALL communist displays, ban communist literature within Russia's borders, stop displaying Red stars on military equipment and go to double eagle symbol instead, no more red banners, end Spetznaz and call it something else, openly admit to Communist crimes, try Soviet crimes against humanity. Also exume Stalin's body and bury somewhere else.
5. End the CIS and the SCO
6. Privatise everything. End governmental ownership of ALL businesses


These same steps could also be applied to the PR China and their coorsponding organs. (PRC would essentialy take on the governmental structure of Taiwan)