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Clinton praises

Putin on

economic reform

WASHINGTON: President Bill Clinton praised new Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday for taking a positive stand on economic reform and pledged to work with the new leader "regardless of personal chemistry".

Clinton said at a news conference he hoped his personal ties with Putin would be as warm as the one he had with Boris Yeltsin, who led Russia before Putin.

But, Clinton said, "it is the relationship that is important. Personal chemistry will come and go, depending on the personalities".

"The United States and Russia have vast national interests that require them to work together and manage the difficulties," he said.

In fact, Clinton said his personal regard for Yeltsin did not stop him from criticizing the Russian leader, who stepped down New Year's eve and chose Putin as his successor. Putin then won a four-year term last Sunday.

Putin has "expressed a genuine commitment to economic reform" and the Russian economy is perking up, Clinton said. Besides, Putin has put together a good economic team, and that is encouraging.

In another area, Clinton said he was looking forward to working with Putin on arms control measures.ÑAP