U.S. expresses surprise at Putin remarks

[Ron Burgundy]

AP - The Bush administration said Saturday it was surprised and disappointed by Russian President Vladimir Putin's remarks that the United States "has overstepped its national borders in every way" and is fostering a new global arms race.

"His accusations are wrong," said Gordon Johndroe, President Bush's national security spokesman.

Putin told a conference in Germany of the world's top security officials that his reason for his warning about the U.S. was its increased use of military force. Nations "are witnessing an almost uncontained hyper use of force in international relations," the Russian leader said.

"This is nourishing an arms race with the desire of countries to get nuclear weapons," he said.

Moscow and Washington forged closed ties in the immediate aftermath of the terrorists attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. But the countries have been on delicate footing more recently.

Putin has offered harsh criticism of the administration before, but these were among his sharpest comments. They came in a speech before 250 officials, including more than 40 defense and foreign ministers. Defense Secretary Robert Gates was there representing the United States.

While some in the administration pushed for a tough tone toward Putin, the official reaction was muted.

"We are surprised and disappointed with President Putin's comments," Johndroe said. "We expect to continue cooperation with Russia in areas important to the international community such as counterterrorism and reducing the spread and threat of weapons of mass destruction."

source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070210/ap_on_go_pr_wh/us_russia [link]