Obama and Medvedev's not so private conversation

[mendeleyev]

From the Mendeleyev Journal:

Russian President Medvedev met yesterday (Monday) with American President Obama in Seoul during the International Nuclear Security Summit. The two men met and then exchanged remarks at the conclusion of their brief talks.



President Obama (left), Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov (centre) and President Medvedev (right).

President Medvedev said, "My colleague Barack Obama and I have once again had a constructive discussion of the various issues on the international agenda and on bilateral cooperation between the Russian Federation and the United States."

"I said that although there are varying assessments of the reset in relations that has been much spoken about over these last three years, I think that we have accomplished very useful work over this time. These have perhaps been the best three years in relations between our two countries over the last decade. We achieved a lot, starting with the New START Treaty and ending with our cooperation on the most sensitive international issues."

"I particularly want to thank the President of the United States for all of his effort and support in helping the Russian Federation to join the World Trade Organization. This was very important for us. We hope to be able to soon resolve the remaining issues in this area, including that of the Jackson-Vanik amendment. The Russian Federation is very keen to make progress here. I think that American companies and America’s people would also stand to benefit from this, especially during this time of economic instability."


(Left to right: President Obama and President Medvedev in Seoul, South Korea. The two men had last met in November 2011 in Honolulu.)

American President Barrack Obama expressed his satisfaction with the meeting in saying, "Well, first of all, let me just say that the last three years of my work with President Medvedev has been extremely productive. And he listed some of the achievements that has resulted from this work – the New START Treaty reduces our nuclear stockpiles in ways that can help create greater peace and security not just for our countries but for the world, and is consistent with our obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty."

"Russia's ascension into the WTO can open up trade and commerce between our two countries that can create jobs and economic growth for both Russians and Americans. And as Dmitry mentioned, we think it's going to be very important for us to address Jackson-Vanik so that American businesses can fully take advantage of an open and liberalized Russian market."

"It is true that there have been times where we have had to manage tensions between our countries, and that's to be expected. Obviously, there are always tensions between countries, and that's certainly true given the long history of the Cold War between our two countries. But what I think we've been able to do is to ensure that rather than look backwards, we've been looking forwards."


(A rare moment thinking that microphones were turned off.)

American media immediately seized upon some words caught live after the two men thought that microphones had been turned off.

President Obama: On all these issues, but particularly missile defense, this, this can be solved but it’s important for him to give me space.

President Medvedev: Yes, I understand. I understand your message about space. Space for you…

President Obama: This is my last election. After my election I will have more flexibility.

President Medvedev: I understand. I will transmit this information to Vladimir. I understand.





While both sides use translators for official purposes, President Medvedev understands and speaks English. Some will see this portion of their conversation as some sort of secret pact but in truth this kind of off the record conversation is frequent in diplomatic settings and often very constructive.

Others will take Mr. Medvedev's comment "I will transmit this information to Vladimir" as some sort of proof that Medvedev has all along answered to Mr. Putin in matters of foreign policy. We must realize however that Mr. Medvedev will soon step down and communicating important diplomatic information to Russia's new president Vladimir Putin is an important step in an orderly transition of power and diplomatic protocol.

[ECOCKS]

Merely one more flagstone on the pathway of continuing incompetence and poor judgement laid by this administration. The real shame is that it doesn't surprise me since he's proven he hasn't a clue about running government, dealing with national security or formulating a coherent foreign policy.

We are so screwed if he gets a second term.

[The Natural]

About 9 minutes into the interview, Webster Tarpley discuss this incidence. Good for the Russians that Medvedev is outgoing and Putin coming back.
 

[ECOCKS]

People are going crazy that the witnesses are saying he punched Zimmerman and put him on the ground.

This whole incident is a reminder why we have rule of law rather than having a lynch mob decide what to do.

[Eduard]

Merely one more flagstone on the pathway of continuing incompetence and poor judgement laid by this administration. The real shame is that it doesn't surprise me since he's proven he hasn't a clue about running government, dealing with national security or formulating a coherent foreign policy.

We are so screwed if he gets a second term.

+ 1 !!! as they say: "2 Eds are better than 1" 

[mendeleyev]

The Mendeleyev Journal:

In the years of the cold war Russia considered the USA to be the "main adversary." In remarks Monday following the accidental open microphone conversation between Presidents Obama and Medvedev, candidate Mitt Romney told CNN's Wolf Blitzer in an interview that Russia is "without question our No. 1 geopolitical foe" citing his belief that Russia "fights every cause for the world's worst actors."

For both presidents the hot-mic comments by President Barack Obama at the international nuclear summit in Seoul was embarrassing as Mr. Obama was overheard telling Russian president Dmitry Medvedev that he would have more flexibility in arms-control negotiations after the U.S. presidential election in November.




(L-R: US President Obama and Russian President Medvedev greet each other in Seoul, South Korea.)


Romney used the occasion to accuse Obama of hiding future concessions once the US presidential election is over in November. Since Monday many political figures have said that the Obama administration has been too soft on Russia.

Russian President Medvedev ridiculed the statement by saying, "It smells of Hollywood. Candidates for the U.S. presidency should use reason when they make such statements."


A close Medvedev associate, Alexander Sokolov, who heads Russia's Public Chamber's international affairs working group said, "Republicans have decided to play the Marlboro man in how they position themselves on the international stage."

[CG7]

"A close Medvedev associate, Alexander Sokolov, who heads Russia's Public Chamber's international affairs working group said, "Republicans have decided to play the Marlboro man in how they position themselves on the international stage."

 Hmm, I do not understand what he is saying with this.
 The lone hard cowboy?
 The Xfiles behind the scenes gov. guy?

 And yeah, have to stand with the 2 Ed's, another term will be a disaster for the US.

[Darth_Budda]

"A close Medvedev associate, Alexander Sokolov, who heads Russia's Public Chamber's international affairs working group said, "Republicans have decided to play the Marlboro man in how they position themselves on the international stage."

 Hmm, I do not understand what he is saying with this.
 The lone hard cowboy?
 The Xfiles behind the scenes gov. guy?

 And yeah, have to stand with the 2 Ed's, another term will be a disaster for the US.

The cold War is over! He was saying that siring up Anti-Russian sentiment to score votes was a stupid idea. Russia poses no risk to the United States. They don't want to take over us and we don't want to take over them. As a super power they should be respected! We would gain more to work with them than against them. That is what he was saying,, Translation to American English by me....

So what is gonna be so disastrous to our country if he gets elected?
He is already turning the economy around.
His foreign policy has been okay.

He would be a better president than Mitt... The Radical Right has putt their claws in him and twisted mitt...

My prediction is Obama will win...We have a habit of electing presidents twice...

If the republicans win you can bet they will force us into another war in the interests of corporations.

 

[CG7]

The cold War is over! He was saying that siring up Anti-Russian sentiment to score votes was a stupid idea. Russia poses no risk to the United States. They don't want to take over us and we don't want to take over them. As a super power they should be respected! We would gain more to work with them than against them. That is what he was saying,, Translation to American English by me....

So what is gonna be so disastrous to our country if he gets elected?
He is already turning the economy around.
His foreign policy has been okay.

He would be a better president than Mitt... The Radical Right has putt their claws in him and twisted mitt...

My prediction is Obama will win...We have a habit of electing presidents twice...

If the republicans win you can bet they will force us into another war in the interests of corporations.

 

 Thanks for clearing that up.
So mitt is doing the same as V.Putin, stirring the pot for votes.
 Sadly I think you are right about a second term, to many lazy Americans watch MSNBC, and the rest of the main stream media shows.
 The economy has not turned around, the US foreign policy is the same shambles in been in for many years.
 Who are we going to go to war with?
 not the Russ, not China, not Iran.  All IMHO
 Hey you may know more then me, I just hang on and watch the world show.
 PS not really into debate, just read others opinion's, and state my own.