Marshall Goldman, deputy director of the Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies at Harvard University (Boston) put forward his view on the summit agenda in an interview with Nezavisimaya Gazeta.
One of the mandatory points will be the Jackson-Vanik amendment. Now that practically everyone can emigrate, there is little sense in demanding that Russia should open up its borders. The problem now is rather finding a country willing to accept Russian immigrants, something that the US no longer wants to do. Russia has complained that since September 11 even legitimate businessmen from Russia have sometimes been unable to get an American visa.
Iraq is more sensitive to Russia. Vladimir Putin will need assurances that Iraq will pay back at least some of the loans extended to Saddam Hussein, and that Russian and Iraqi companies will be able to resume their economic relations.
Mr. Putin will also press for US support for Russia's desire to become a full-fledged member of the Group of Seven.
President Bush is certain to ask Putin about a decision taken by the Ministry of Natural Resources to ban foreign companies from developing oil and other mineral reserves.
Russia's continued refusals to pay compensation to American companies and investors for property put under Russian government control may also draw Mr. Bush's attention. This departure from international business standards is all the more conspicuous against the background of an increasing number of American enterprises being acquired by Russian companies, with no one objecting.
Of course, both sides have reason for political complaints. Moscow wants the US to stop interfering in the CIS. At the same time, Washington, including Mr. Bush, is worried about anti-democratic and nationalist sentiments emerging in Russia. Besides, concern is growing over restrictions on media freedom, especially the television. Many people in America also believe that Russia could be more flexible in Chechnya.
