Rice set to visit Russia, skips Israel

[maddezmom]

Source: AP

By Anne Gearan, AP Diplomatic Writer | May 7, 2007

WASHINGTON --Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will try to smooth ruffled feathers in Russia next week, ahead of a planned meeting between President Bush and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Rice hopes to take the edge off Russian anger over U.S. plans for a missile defense in Europe, while also seeking Russia's continued cooperation with a United Nations Security Council campaign to pressure Iran over its nuclear program.

The State Department announced Rice's trip Monday. She is to be in Moscow on May 14-15.



"There's, obviously, a lot of politics in Israel that they are working through at this point, but we are going to continue our efforts to advance the Israeli-Palestinian track," McCormack told reporters. "I would say it's a change in plans, yes."

~snip~

Rice had been expected to return to Jerusalem next week for what has been a monthly checkup on her efforts to steer Israel and the Palestinians back toward peace talks. With the highly unpopular Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in political limbo, however, Rice decided to delay meetings centered on a new U.S. list of "benchmarks" for both sides.



Read more: http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2007/05/07/rice_to_visit_russia_skip_israel/

[saltpoint]

1. She's having the t-shirts printed as we speak:

The Brahms & Vodka Tour / 07.

Git 'em, Condi.

[Javaman]

2. So is this new "cold war" with russia manufactored so condi can

practice her russian skills?

I wouldn't put it past them.

[Supersedeas]

3. working through the politics -- wish our democracy has that type of tolerance for compromise