Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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July 2, 2007

Bush-Putin Talks Likely to Focus on Areas of Disagreement
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=1803187:A6F02AD83191E160A513F434450FC5E69574F7DCC14957C0 Officials say
informal talks at Bush family compound in Maine, could include
proposed missile defense shield in Europe





President George W. Bush greets Russian President Vladimir Putin at
Walker's Point, the Bush family compound in Kennebunkport,
MainePresident Bush and Russian President Vladimir Putin meet Monday
in the northeastern state of Maine for discussions that are expected
to focus on areas of disagreement between the two leaders.

Officials say the informal talks at the Bush family compound could
include the proposed U.S. missile defense shield in Europe which the
Russian leader opposes.

The two leaders are also expected to discuss Iraq, Iran's nuclear
program and U.S. support for Kosovo's independence which Mr. Putin
also opposes.

On Iran, the talks are expected to focus on U.S. objections to Russia
helping Iran build some nuclear facilities.

Mr. Putin took a speedboat ride and dined on lobster after he arrived
Sunday at the Bush family summer home. Former President Bush and his
wife Barbara hosted the gathering.

Relations between the United States and Russia have been increasingly
tense thanks in part to the U.S. war in Iraq, which Russia opposed.
The U.S. also is concerned about Putin's crackdown on public dissent
and the scaling back of other democratic reforms.

Mr. Putin says the U.S. plan to build a missile shield in Poland and
the Czech Republic is a security threat to Russia. He has threatened
to aim missiles at Europe if Washington goes through with the plan.


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