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#11 - JRL 8115 - JRL Home
Transcript for March 14
Guests: Nat. Sec. Adv. Dr. Condoleezza Rice and former Gov. Howard Dean, D-VT, former presidential candidate
Copyright© 2004, National Broadcasting Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
PLEASE CREDIT ANY QUOTES OR EXCERPTS FROM THIS NBC TELEVISION PROGRAM TO "NBC NEWS' MEET THE PRESS."
NBC News
MEET THE PRESS
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4515556/

This is a rush transcript provided for the information and convenience of the press. Accuracy is not guaranteed. In case of doubt, please check with MEET THE PRESS - NBC NEWS(202)885-4598 (Sundays: (202)885-4200)

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[Excerpt from interview with National Security Advisor Dr. Condoleezza Rice:]

MR. RUSSERT: President Putin of Russia is up for re-election today. Are you concerned about his trampling on democracy in Russia?

DR. RICE: We are concerned that, in Russia, the independent media has receded into the background in Russia. We are concerned that the elections have perhaps not allowed for full debate among candidates.

MR. RUSSERT: In 2001, the president said President Putin was straightforward and trustworthy, that he looked into his soul and he found--looked the man in the eye and found him deeply committed to his country and the best interest. Does the president stand by that?

DR. RICE: Oh, I don't have any doubt that Vladimir Putin is completely committed to his country and to its best interests. I also have to...

MR. RUSSERT: And trustworthy and straightforward?

DR. RICE: I have to say that he has been straightforward with us. He has been--to his word, when he said he would do something, he would do it. But that does not mean that it is inappropriate for the president to express his concerns about the development of Russia in terms of its democratic development. This is a country that only came out of its Soviet past 15 years ago. The road to democracy here is not going to be smooth and easy. But because we have a very good relationship with the Russians, because the president has a very good relationship with President Putin, he can talk to him about the obligation that Russia has.

MR. RUSSERT: And no concerns that Russia's going to try to reassert itself militarily around the world?

DR. RICE: I think that we believe that Russia's best interests are in trying to associate itself with both Western values and with the democratic values, and we believe that that is still an open question in Russia. We have those conversations openly with the Russians, but I have to say that we have very good cooperation with the Russians on most issues. We have more in common than we have apart.

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