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Russian president optimistic about ties with US
(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-12-04 19:40

MOSCOW -- President Dmitry Medvedev says he hopes Russia's relations with the United States improve after President-elect Barack Obama takes office.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, left, and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin are seen at their meeting in the Gorki residence outside Moscow, Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008. [Agencies] 

Medvedev says he expects the new US administration will take a constructive stance and show willingness to compromise on the most difficult issues.

He says in an interview with Indian Broadcasting Corporation Doordarshan that he feels "moderately optimistic" about ties with the US His remarks were posted Thursday on the Kremlin Web.

Moscow's relations with Washington have been strained by disputes over US plans to deploy missile defense sites in Europe and Russia's war with Georgia in August.

Medvedev dismissed allegations that a chill in US-Russian relations could lead to a new Cold War.