G8 meeting divided by US-Russia clashes

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2007

POTSDAM, Germany (AFP) — A clash between the United States and Russia over a proposed missile shield overshadowed a meeting of G8 foreign ministers Wednesday also marred by differences over climate change and Kosovo.

The meeting here to thrash out the agenda for a summit of G8 leaders in Germany next week ended on a sour note after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice exchanged sharp words over Washington's plans to base parts of a missile defence shield in eastern Europe.

Although both sides welcomed the announcement that Russian President Vladimir Putin would visit US President George W. Bush for rare face-to-face talks in Maine on July 1-2, the strains were clear.

Lavrov reacted angrily to comments Rice made...