Blair, Putin Get On Splendidly at Talks
British Prime Minister Tony Blair said Tuesday that ties with Russian President Vladimir V. Putin were a risk worth taking--and Putin obliged by saying that he accepted European defense plans and was willing to discuss U.S. arms control issues.
After Blair’s visit, Putin said Russia stood by its insistence on maintaining the 1972 Antiballistic Missile Treaty, but was prepared to discuss both that and the newly hatched common defense plans for Europe.
Putin’s opposition to U.S. proposals to alter the missile treaty clarified Russia’s position after suggestions last week that it might have softened its approach.
But he left room to maneuver. “We are in favor of looking together to find ways to resolve this matter,” Putin said.
He said Blair had persuaded him that joint defense plans in Europe posed no threat to Russia, and Putin said he would do nothing to impede them.
Both men were clearly delighted with the formal talks, their fifth meeting this year, and an evening out Monday at a pub.
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