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Jokes can't mask disagreements between Rice, Lavrov

(AP)
Updated: 2007-05-31 14:09

Her note asked Lavrov to join Rice in a joint announcement at the session's end. Although the news was already out, Rice wanted to tell the group that US President George W. Bush would host Russian President Vladimir Putin for an informal visit in July.

The gathering "will give them a chance for a relaxed atmosphere," Rice said through a tight smile.

Then she challenged Lavrov to correctly pronounce the name of the summit site, a Maine town where the Bush family has vacationed for generations. Lavrov nailed "Kennebunkport," and they both laughed.

Rice has frequently said she is concerned about backsliding on democracy in Russia and about other US complaints, including the charge that Russia uses its vast energy wealth for political purposes.

She is usually quick to add that while relations aren't ideal, they are much improved from the dark days of the Cold War, and she tempers her critiques of Russia.

Lavrov seemed to share no such inhibition Wednesday. He said the United States is starting a new arms race in Europe, an obvious reference to the Cold War period that shaped both his view of the United States and Rice's view of Russia.

The meeting in Potsdam was heavy with Cold War symbolism. The diplomats met at the same lakeside Tudor-style estate where US President Harry Truman and Soviet leader Josef Stalin met following World War II.

Rice and Lavrov had another uncomfortable exchange during a second press conference later in the day in Berlin. Lavrov warned the United States about recent arms shipments to Lebanon. He indicated the US was destabilizing a volatile situation by arming the Lebanese army for its fight with Islamic militants.

Rice, sitting just to his right, came back with a pointed defense of US policy.

Afterward, the two could be seen whispering and smiling amiably.