Russian President Vladimir Putin at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum on May 25, 2018. Photo: Reuters/Sergei Bobylev/TASS
M.K. Bhadrakumar, Asia Times: Russia censures Iran, expects Israel to help restore ties with US
Vladimir Putin surprised many at the event known as Russia’s Davos with his comments on the Iran nuclear deal and Russia's relations with the US
The annual meeting of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum – dubbed as “Russia’s Davos” – on May 25, which traditionally promotes foreign investment in the Russian economy, ended this time around as a major political event signaling a renewed bid by President Vladimir Putin for détente with the West.
In wide-ranging remarks at the forum, Putin made an explicit overture to Washington for dialogue. The US decision to quit the Iran nuclear deal was the leitmotif of the Q&A at St Petersburg – which are generally choreographed by the Kremlin in advance – and Putin seized the opportunity to articulate a highly nuanced position on the topic with an eye on the overall Russian-American relationship.
Unsurprisingly, Putin criticized the US’ rejection of the Iran nuclear deal as a unilateralist move which would have negative consequences. But then, Putin also expressed understanding for President Donald Trump’s domestic compulsion in taking such a decision.
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WNU Editor: I am skeptical that Israeli Prime Minsier Netanyahu can act as a "facilitator" to improve U.S. - Russian relations .... this is something that both the U.S. and Russia must sort out amongst themselves. But President Putin is signaling that he wants to improve relations with the West, and working with Israel does not hurt.
1 comment:
Putin needs to stop the sanctions. Also, he can be frustrated by Iran which give more attention to China even it didn't help in Syria. A better relationship with the West will give more leverage to Russia when it come to negotiate with China.
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