us disappointed by putin attack

US 'disappointed' by Putin attack
ABC Online

The United States Government says it is surprised and disappointed by comments made by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has accused the US of trying to force its will on the world.

But the White House says it expects to continue to work with Russia in areas such as counter-terrorism and reducing the spread and threat of weapons of mass destruction.

In a speech in Germany, Mr Putin accused the US of making the world a more dangerous place by pursuing policies aimed at making it "one single master."

Attacking the concept of a "unipolar" world in which the United States was the sole superpower, he said: "What is a unipolar world? No matter how we beautify this term it means one single centre of power, one single centre of force and one single master.

"It has nothing in common with democracy because that is the opinion of the majority taking into account the minority opinion.

"People are always teaching us democracy but the people who teach us democracy don't want to learn it themselves."

Press secretary for the White House National Security Council, Gordon Johndroe, rejected Mr Putin's comments.

"We are surprised and disappointed with President Putin's comments. His accusations are wrong," Mr Johndroe said.

Mr Putin spoke against a background of increasing Russian agitation over US policy on Iraq, and on the Iran and North Korea nuclear issues, as well as growing self-confidence as an emerging energy superpower.

US plans to deploy parts of an anti-missile defence system in Poland and the Czech Republic have become a fresh irritant in US-Russian relations.

The US says the system is needed for defence against rockets launched by Iran and North Korea - an argument rejected by Russia.

-Reuters