Izvestia: "Clinton Heads North"
Prime Minister Vladimir Putin met his old friend, former US President Bill Clinton in Novo-Ogarevo yesterday. Although Clinton was two hours late, the prime minister excused his unpunctuality. Indeed, his guest arrived in Russia not as a tourist, but rather as a leading expert in the world economy, and was late because he had attended an international conference for investors.
"Bill, I am very glad to see you in Moscow," Putin said. "We have been acquainted for a long time and kept up good relations. I know you came to speak at the conference this time. But I hope to see you more often."
As if trying to finish the formal segment of their meeting as soon as possible, so they could proceed to a confidential discussion, the prime minister spoke quickly and the interpreter had difficulty keeping up.
"You have chosen the right time to come to Moscow," Putin said, referring to the spy scandal that erupted a day earlier. "I hear your police have gotten carried away and put people in jail."
Clinton, with his "Hollywood" smile, burst out laughing, but made no comment.
"Everybody is doing his job," Putin concluded. "Nevertheless, I hope very much that the recent accomplished progress will not be impaired. We hope that the people who hold Russian-US relations dear understand this."
"I am sure that relations with Russia will get better and better," the guest replied. He added that he has long been in contact with the US government, asking them to do their best to help Russia become a member of the WTO.
At this point, the conversation turned from formal to friendly.
"I am pleased that you invited me to go to the Arctic through my wife," Clinton said.
"Yes, to work with polar bears," Putin noted. As a reminder, earlier, the prime minister invited Clinton to go with him to study the ecological situation on Frantz Josef Land. Clinton was willing but ultimately failed to find the time. Thus, in April, Putin went to see the polar bears alone.
"I want to fly!" the guest said.
"This is quite possible," Putin said with a smile. "We can discuss this today."
And the eminent interlocutors continued their private talk.
Anastasia Savinykh
