Moscow: May 16, 2007 - Russia and the United States agreed yesterday that upcoming political campaigns in the two countries must not be allowed to damage ties between them, as officials on both sides sought to ease tensions that have built in recent months.

The pledges of a more cooperative spirit came as Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice held talks here with her Russian counterpart, Sergei V. Lavrov, and President Vladimir V. Putin.

"Condoleezza Rice stressed, and that was supported by President Putin, that our relationship must not become hostage to the election campaigns getting started in our two countries," said Lavrov, the foreign minister.

That is our common goal."

Russia will hold parliamentary elections in December and a presidential election in March. The United States will go to the polls to elect a new president and members of Congress in November 2008.

Relations between the two nations have been strained in particular by US plans to install an antimissile system in Eastern Europe. The US says it is needed to defend Europe and North America, citing the possibility of missile attacks by Iran. Moscow has expressed fears that it is a step toward a global system aimed at devaluing Russia's and China's nuclear deterrents.

While there was no sign that either side had shifted on the missile defense issue, Rice and Lavrov said their nations were cooperating in many areas and wanted to build a better partnership.

The two officials appeared to go out of their way to make a show of friendliness. Lavrov held Rice's chair for her when she first sat down. Rice stood, smiled broadly and shook hands with Lavrov at the end of their appearance.

Full Story:  http://www.boston.com/news/world/europe/articles/2007/05/16/russia_us_move_to_ease_tensions/