Bush and Putin steer clear of the rocks

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2007

KENNEBUNKPORT, United States (AFP) — The US and Russian leaders angled for a truce at their "lobster summit" but the jagged rocks on the Kennebunkport shore were a symbolic reminder of the dangers that lie in wait.

Appearing in shirtsleeves on the seashore, George W. Bush and Vladimir Putin denied their relationship was at risk of capsizing after a fraught few months that at times have evoked tensions last seen in the Cold War.

The issues that have plunged US-Russian ties into a new chill, such as US plans to deploy a cutting-edge system in eastern Europe to knock out missiles from "rogue states," guaranteed the talks would not be smooth sailing.

Nevertheless for Bush, who six years ago claimed to have got an insightful look into Putin's "soul," the summit...