http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/2/8/worldupdates/2009-02-08T200630Z_01_NOOTR_RTRMDNC_0_-379046-1&sec=WorldupdatesRussia signals new optimism on ties with U.S.
By Noah Barkin and David Brunnstrom
MUNICH, Germany (Reuters) - Russia welcomed on Sunday an offer by the United States "to press the reset button" on relations with Moscow and suggested the two sides could jointly review the contentious issue of missile defence.
Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov gestures during a news conference at the 45th Conference on Security Policy in Munich February 8, 2009. (REUTERS/Michaela Rehle)
Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov told a news conference: "It is obvious that the new U.S. administration has a very strong desire to change and that inspires optimism."
Earlier, he described as "very positive" a remark by U.S. Vice President Joe Biden at an international security conference in Munich that it was time to "reset" relations and end a dangerous drift in ties between Russia and NATO.
Moscow strongly opposed plans by former President George W. Bush's plans to deploy parts of a missile shield in Poland and the Czech Republic, to defend against perceived threats from countries hostile to Washington, chiefly Iran.
Ivanov, also speaking in Munich, indicated that Moscow was prepared to discuss missile threats with Washington.
"We do not claim there is no threat. The question is how we are going to react to the hypothetical threat of the spread of missile technologies," he said.
"There are a few options
Thank you President Obama!