Obama asks Russia for “space” on missile defense issueMarch 26, 2012 - 20:42 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - U.S. President Barack Obama on Monday, March 26 told President Dmitry Medvedev that he had little flexibility to address Russia's objections to a U.S. missile defence shield before his November reelection bid, AFP said. Obama was picked up on an open mic privately explaining his position to Medvedev in an exchange heard by some reporters, during their meeting on the sidelines of the nuclear security summit in Seoul. The U.S. leader told Medvedev, in their last meeting before Vladimir Putin is inaugurated president in May, that on all issues, but particularly missile defense it was important for Russia to give him "space." Medvedev replied "Yeah, I understand. I understand your message about space," according to a transcript of the exchange carried by ABC News. "This is my last election. After my election I have more flexibility," Obama said, pledging to "transmit this information to Vladimir." The exchange appeared to indicate that Obama believes he has little leverage to conclude deeply divisive foreign policy election issues in a campaign year, and also that he is confident he will win reelection. The White House insisted it was committed to implementing the missile defense shield, despite Russian objections but said the longstanding and difficult issues meant it would take time to conclude a deal. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | IDBank, Dalma team up for Caucasian Deer Reintroduction Program IDBank has joined Dalma Garden Mall’s Green Challenge to support the Caucasian red deer reintroduction project. Through Ucom’s support the 12th Sunchild Festival concludes On May 24-28, with the support of Ucom, the 12th international environmental festival Sunchild took place in Yerevan. U.S., Turkey emphasize importance of Armenia-Azerbaijan peace deal Jake Sullivan and Akif Cagatay Kilic have discussed the normalization process between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Armenia coach expects good football in Slovenia friendly The Armenian national team has left for Ljubljana a friendly match against Slovenia on June 4. |