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BUSH'S REELECTION OPTIMAL FOR RUSSIA

MOSCOW, November 1 (RIA Novosti) - The reelection of George W. Bush as president of the United States is the optimal result for Russia, Sergei Oznobishchev, director of the Institute for Strategic Studies, said in an interview with RIA Novosti.

According to the expert, the Russian leadership and the current American administration have already worked out a common understanding on cooperation and declared their plan of actions.

"On one hand, we do not expect too much from each other and at the same time there is an understanding of the common deed and the recognition that we are partners," he said. "On the other, we do not try to find faults with each other, on the contrary, we carefully try to bring our positions closer."

The expert also said that the Republican administration was criticized because "it allowed the Russian regime to transform into a partially democratic regime or a controlled democracy."

"If the Democrats win," he said, "all these claims, which have been expressed during the campaign more than once, including with regard to the revival and strengthening of the Russian nuclear and military potential, will come out and the new administration will be forced to put these claims to Russia."

"Before we can start to work normally," he continued, "we will waste a year or two on high words, while the president is elected only for four years, and it necessary to use these years efficiently."

He noted that George W. Bush and John Kerry's chances were equal.

"In my opinion," he said, "Bush will win despite the criticism of him, because he was able to meet the expectations of the American people in some way. The situation in Iraq is reminiscent of a farce. It is not the ideal fight against terrorism, of course, but it is quite enough for public opinion."