MOSCOW, April 19 (RIA Novosti, Sergei Zelentsov) - Director of the Institute of Strategic Estimations Sergei Oznobischev believes that no breakthrough decisions should be expected from the new meeting of the Russian and US Presidents in Moscow during the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Victory Day.
"There will be no breakthroughs, nor downfalls," the expert said in an interview with RIA Novosti.
Speaking about the visit to Russia by US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, which starts on Tuesday, the expert expressed the opinion that the agenda would consist of usual topics: trade and economic relations, urgent international problems and the fight against terrorism.
"Our partnership is still declarative to a certain extent, and the sides will not be able to do much in the remaining days before the summit, even as a result of the internal situation that has arisen both in Russia and the USA," the expert believes.
In his opinion Rice will outline in Moscow the concerns of the American side, which are already known to Russia in that or another form, and will confirm the elements of partnership.
Oznobischev reminded the correspondent that the USA accused Russia of curtailing democracy, pressing the mass media and the instable business climate.
According to the expert, during the election campaign in the USA, the Republican administration was sharply criticized for the Russian trend in its foreign policy. The critics believe that Russia, though it is not yet turning into a superpower, has substantially restored its missile and nuclear potential, the political scientist said.
Oznobischev pointed out "watchfulness" in Russian-American relations. "On the whole, Russia is viewed by the Washington administration as a partner, but not always a predictable one," the political scientist said.
On the other hand, he believes, the US presidential administration consists of people with different views. Of late, the positions of those who are against the Russian-American partnership have grown stronger, Oznobischev thinks.
"For this reason, the tone of the US leadership has slightly changed, and even more the tone of the American press has changed. Suffice it to compare today's pronouncements of the media and those some four years ago," he said.
On the whole, however, the USA's policy with regard to Russia has not changed after Condoleezza Rice has occupied the post of Secretary of State, Oznobischev believes.
He also noted "liveliness" in the Russian foreign policy.
"Our foreign policy is well thought out and offensive in a good sense of the word. I would like to believe that Russia will be able to take new initiatives in its American policy," the expert remarked.
