Obama On Russia Deal: No "Quid Pro Quo"

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama said Tuesday he has told Russia that reducing Iran's pursuit of a nuclear weapon would in turn lessen the need for a U.S.-planned missile defense system in Eastern Europe that Moscow has opposed. But Obama said he sought no "quid pro quo" with Moscow.

The new president also said it is time for the U.S. to "reset or reboot" its relationship with Russia, a nod to the increasingly tense relations of recent years.

Answering questions at a picture-taking moment in his meeting with visiting British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Obama was asked about a letter he sent to Russian President Dmitry Medvedev regarding a series of mutual security concerns, including U.S. plans for deploying U.S. missile defenses in Poland and the Czech Republic.

"What I said in the letter is the same thing I've said publicly, which is that the missile defense that we have talked about deploying is directed towards not Russia, but Iran," Obama said. "That has always been the concern _ that you have potentially a missile from Iran that threatened either the United States or Europe."

Obama disputed a published report that said he characterized his letter as "quid pro quo" with Russia, which has opposed the missile defense system. He said it was simply "a statement of fact."

He said lessening Iran's commitment to nuclear weapons "reduces the pressure for, or the need for, a missile defense system." But that, he said, does not diminish his own commitment to ensure that Poland, the Czech Republic or other NATO members enjoy full U.S. support with respect to their security.

More broadly, Obama said he has had a good exchange with Russia's leadership.

"I've said that we need to reset or reboot the relationship there," Obama said. "Russia needs to understand our unflagging commitment to the independence and security of countries like a Poland or a Czech Republic. On the other hand, we have areas of common concern."

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The president said he wants a constructive U.S.-Russia relationship "based on common respect and mutual interests."

Medvedev said he had talked with Obama over the phone and exchanged letters with him, but added that there was "no talk about some kind of trade-off, or quid pro quo."

"No, issues haven't been put that way, it would be unproductive," he said at a news conference Tuesday, which followed talks in Madrid with Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero.

Medvedev reaffirmed a strong opposition to the previous U.S. administration's plan to deploy a battery of missile interceptors in Poland and a related radar in the Czech Republic, saying the move would hurt security in Europe.

Medvedev said that Russia was encouraged by Obama's administration's readiness to discuss Moscow's complaints.

"Our American partners are ready to discuss this problem, and that's already positive," he said at a news conference. "Several months ago we were hearing different signals: The decision has been made, there is nothing to discuss, we will do what we have decided to do."

"Now I hope the situation is different," Medvedev added. "But no one is linking these issues to some kind of trade-offs, particularly on the Iranian issue. We are already working in close contact with our U.S. counterparts on the Iranian nuclear issue."

Obama and Medvedev are expected to meet at the G-20 economic summit of advanced and developing nations in London next month, according to senior administration officials.

U.S. officials emphasized that "we will continue to consult with the Czechs and Poles as we move forward with decisions on missile defense." That message was an obvious attempt to ease fears among those two U.S. allies _ former Soviet satellite states _ who are deeply invested in the missile defense system as an assurance of American backing against a resurgent Russia.

The administration has previously hinted that the policy on the missile defense shield that former President George W. Bush fiercely advocated was open to reassessment.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, speaking at a news conference in Jerusalem while on a Mideast tour, said that "we are at the beginning of the engagement with Russia on behalf of this new government."

"We have a very broad agenda also, what we have said specifically in regard to missile defense in Europe is that it has always been intended to deter any missiles that might come from Iran," she said.

A key U.S. lawmaker said Tuesday that Obama should keep open the possibility of engaging Iran directly, as Obama has said he would do. Sen. Richard Lugar, the top Republican on the Foreign Relations Committee, said the administration should consider the possibility of establishing a U.S. visa office or similar diplomatic presence in Iran.

"Such an outpost would facilitate more exchange and outreach with the Iranian people," said Lugar, of Indiana.

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AP White House Correspondent Jennifer Loven and AP reporter Ben Feller contributed to this report.

Comments

[Kaviraj]

Mergina, have you not gotten the message that Russia lost 15,000 troops in Afghanistan already? Do you really believe they want to lose more troops there? They like to see Obama and the US break their teeth on Afghanistan too. The Taliban cannot be annihilated, because the country cannot be conquered as history proves. Empires go to waste in Afghanistan. The USSR is no longer, because of Afghanistan. The US will go the same way.

[cougar gal06]

We should be creating a diplomatic partnership. It will help make America a safer place to live in. Another thing that the Obama administration should be focusing on is helping eradicate global hunger. The more people that are left starving, the more people there are for the Taliban to potentially recruit. If all it takes is giving them food, shelter and schools for their children (which are things they really need) why wouldn't you want to pledge an allegience to them? The Borgen Project www.borgenproject.orgg) has some great ideas to help reduce poverty and make developed countries a better place to live in.

[outnow]

The Czech people are against the plans by at least six to one. The US will need the cooperation of not only Russia, but also China, Brazil and India to "fix" the international financial system because these are the most populous countries. How all this can be factored into a grand bargain with Iran is being worked out. Too bad the major powers have decided to threaten each other with missiles rather than to realize the collective struggle ahead over climate change as both poles melt and the weather conditions become more harsh. Food production is threatened by drought and lack of credit. Water is scarce all over.

I cannot believe that the perceived threat is from Iran. The placement of missiles and radar in Eastern Europe is highly provocative to Russia. The defense contractors stand to lose billions of dollars if the plans are scrapped. Turn these swords into plowshares. The Czechs and the America people do not want the missile shield and the radar. Don't the people have any say in these matters?

[mergina]

Dear Mr. President. Perhaps you can convince Russia to JOIN A COALITION TO ANNIHILATE THE TALIBAN AND BIN LADEN IN PAKISTAN AND AFGHANISTAN.