Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Guy Buys $123 Safe on eBay, Finds $26,000 Inside Seller tries to get half the cash back, fails »

Putin Puts in at Kennebunkport

Russian president insists visit is social, though tensions remain high

By Greg Atwan,  Newser User

Posted Jul 1, 2007 7:23 PM CDT

(Newser) – Russian president Vladimir Putin touched down in New Hampshire this afternoon for what the US and Russia are both calling a social visit to President Bush's summer home in Kennebunkport, Maine. But the BBC reports both sides hope to use the meeting as an opportunity to warm their countries' recently glacial relationship.

It's the first time a foreign leader has been invited to the president's summer home. The most pressing issue between guest and host is Bush's proposed missile shield, which Putin says amounts to a renewal of the cold war. But Bush has also accused the Kremlin of a freedom-of-speech gap, and the two sides remain at loggerheads over Kosovo.

Former President George Bush, left and President George Bush, right welcome Russian President Vladimir Putin to Walker's Point, the Bush family compound in Kennebunkport, Maine, Sunday, July 1, 2007. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Former President George Bush, left and President George Bush, right welcome Russian President Vladimir Putin to Walker's Point, the Bush family compound in Kennebunkport, Maine, Sunday, July 1, 2007....   (Associated Press)
President Bush and first lady Laura Bush watch as Russian President Vladimir Putin's limo arrives at Walker's Point, the Bush family compound, Sunday, July 1, 2007 in Kennebunkport, Maine. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
President Bush and first lady Laura Bush watch as Russian President Vladimir Putin's limo arrives at Walker's Point, the Bush family compound, Sunday, July 1, 2007 in Kennebunkport, Maine. (AP Photo/Gerald...   (Associated Press)
President Bush, right, welcomes Russian President Vladimir Putin to Walker's Point, the Bush family compound, Sunday, July 1, 2007 in Kennebunkport, Maine. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
President Bush, right, welcomes Russian President Vladimir Putin to Walker's Point, the Bush family compound, Sunday, July 1, 2007 in Kennebunkport, Maine. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)   (Associated Press)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Putin on Georgia: We Had No Choice

Russia's New Weight Tips Global Scales

Putin Rattles Nuclear Sabre

Putin: We'll Use 'Strike Forces' Against Missile Shield

Russia Silent on Iran Concessions


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne