Russia Braces for Tougher U.S. Stance on Aid

Russia pondered the prospect of tougher economic relations with the U.S. after suggestions by President-elect George W. Bush that financial aid should be linked to guarantees against corruption. Commentators said the tougher line in a weekend interview with the New York Times represented a major change after eight years of Bill Clinton’s administration. In a front-page commentary, the daily Vedomosti said Clinton’s emphasis on democracy and human rights had given way to a hard-nosed approach emphasizing the economy. “Judging from his interview, Bush, who has included top business magnates in his team, intends to view relations with Russia more in economic than in military-political terms,” the daily said. Bush said aid would be limited to helping dismantle nuclear weapons until the Kremlin proved Russia was safe for U.S. investors.