Obama to host Russian foreign minister Thursday

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Source: AFP

WASHINGTON (AFP) — Barack Obama will host Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov Thursday in the Oval Office, as the US president's vow to improve ties with Moscow is tested by events in Georgia.

The White House said Obama would make the unusual move of meeting with Russia's long-time top diplomat, an invitation usually reserved for fellow heads of state and government.

The offer comes as tensions again flair between the two Cold War foes over policies toward regions on Russia's periphery, areas Moscow considers its "near abroad."

The latest flare came this week as Georgia was hit by a military mutiny hours before NATO began a month-long 1,100-troop exercise in the country. The maneuvers are strongly opposed by Moscow.

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