"The key thing is for Russia to internalize that the fight against nuclear proliferation is more important than commercial contracts and that we're all safer when we don't enable countries like Iran and North Korea in their pursuit of nuclear weapons," he said.

Bolton added: "However simple it is to say, there are a lot of people who think the commercial aspect of their relationship with Iran and North Korea is more important. We've got to keep pounding away on it because it's not just Iran and North Korea. Other countries are watching and if those two countries succeed in getting and keeping nuclear weapons, other countries will draw a bad conclusion."

Hadley played down any differences that might exist between Washington and Moscow on Iran.

"Look we have these struggles on these resolutions all the time and they result in a lot of press stories about 'disarrary in the international communities,' but I would remind you that over the last few years, when the time has come the international community has pulled together," he said.

"You know it's a little bit like sausage making. It's not pretty and a lot of it spills out to the public, but I think the international community has held together on this issue and I think it will again."

The Bush administration has sharpened criticism of democratic erosion under Putin this year, particularly with the murder last month of a reporter critical of Russian policy in Chechnya. Objections include a Russian law restricting charity groups.

Russia's escalating spat with Georgia, a former Soviet republic, has also clouded relations with the United States. Putin, aware of cooling relations with the United States and Europe, also has been working to build Russia's influence in its neighborhood and in Asia.

On Russia's side, relations have been strained by delays in an agreement with Washington for Moscow's entry into the WTO, a longtime Russian goal. Now, after 12 years of negotiations, the countries are moving toward signing a bilateral pact in Hanoi.

Russia's trade ministry said the minister, German Gref, expects to sign the long-anticipated WTO deal Sunday with US Trade Representative Susan Schwab.

Putin and Bush also are due to meet again Sunday in Hanoi.

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