…BUT SIGNS OF DISCORD LINGER.

According to McCurry, the two presidents’ telephone conversation was not without points of disagreement. McCurry said Clinton restated to Yeltsin his "strong views" on the need to find a peaceful solution to the conflict in Chechnya. However, the U.S. president chose not "to second-guess" Russia’s recent use of force to resolve the hostage crisis in Dagestan. For his part, Yeltsin later claimed to have reiterated at length Moscow’s strong opposition to NATO enlargement, arguing that it would be detrimental not only to Russia, but to Europe and the international community. Yeltsin also complained about continuing U.S. trade discrimination against Russia and said that bilateral relations must be equitable and partner-like. (1)

Yeltsin Lobbies Germany to Oppose NATO Expansion.