Bush Happy With Russian Assurances On Iran
September 28, 2003
The Associated Press
KSAT
President George W. Bush says he's "very satisfied" with Russian assurances on Iran's nuclear program.
However, there's no sign Russia's ready to halt its help in building an Iranian power reactor that Washington thinks could help Tehran get the bomb.
After two days of talks at Camp David, Bush and Russian President Vladimir Putin told reporters they don't want the Iranians armed with nuclear weapons.
And Putin says he's sending a "clear but respectful" message to Iranian leaders to submit to U.N. oversight.
Iran denies any weapons program. However, recently, U.N. experts discovered traces of bomb-grade uranium at two sites.
During the two days of meetings at Camp David, the two leaders did not hide their differences over Iraq.
Putin refused to help rebuild the country until he first sees a new U.N. resolution.
Still, Bush is voicing fresh optimism about getting other countries to help out in post-war Iraq. He says he's pleased with the cooperation U.S. officials are receiving.
Putin told reporters Russia's ready to lend a hand in Iraq -- though he can't say exactly how until there's a new U.N resolution.
He did say Russia wants to see Iraq a "free, democratic and united state."
Administration officials have been huddling with their counterparts on a resolution that would give U.N. and Iraqi authorities more control in Baghdad. However, Bush has insisted there be no "hurried" handover to Iraqi self-rule.
The Bush-Putin talks in the Maryland mountains also covered North Korea's nuclear efforts, the Mideast and Russian complaints about U.S. visas.
Bush told reporters Putin's "a good fellow to spend quality time with."
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