Putin warns against U.S. missile defense

Staying in power in Moscow?
The prospect of Putin clinging to power after his presidential term ends has caused U.S. dismay, with the Bush administration expressing concerns about democratic backsliding in Russia, a consolidation of power in the Kremlin, and crackdowns on independent media and opposition groups.

Rice, an expert on the former Soviet Union before she joined the administration, said she would not raise the issue herself.

"I wouldn't turn down that offer," Rice said with a smile when asked by reporters how she would respond if Putin raised the topic. But she refused to be drawn out on the subject.

Earlier this month, Putin said he would lead the ticket of the main pro-Kremlin party in the parliamentary elections coming up in the next few months and could later take the prime minister's job — a hint that he could remain at the helm and eclipse a weaker president.

On Iran, Putin says there's no proof Tehran is trying to build a nuclear weapons program.

Rice, on her way to Moscow, accused Iran of "lying" about the aim of its nuclear program and deceiving the U.N.'s atomic watchdog about its intentions.

"There is an Iranian history of obfuscation and, indeed, lying to the IAEA," Rice said, referring to the International Atomic Energy Agency.

U.S. officials long have accused Iran of trying to develop nuclear weapons behind the facade of a civil atomic energy program, charges Tehran denies. The Bush administration is pushing for new sanctions to punish Iran, but has yet to gather enough backing at the United Nations for such a move.

The United States and Russia also differ on the future of a treaty limiting deployment of conventional military forces in Europe as well as the prospect of Kosovo declaring independence from Serbia as early as December.

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