UNITED STATES DOWNPLAYS FRICTION, APPRECIATES RUSSIA’S HELP.

U.S. State Department spokesman Nicholas Burns characterized the unpleasantry with Russia as merely "a tactical disagreement." "We believe that the United States, NATO, and Russia will continue to cooperate and that ultimately we can work this out," he said. White House spokesman Mike McCurry said, "We’re very appreciative of the Russian Federation’s continued help on the peace process itself and we continue to be in close touch with the Russians as we develop both the diplomatic and military approaches that are designed to give peace a better chance."

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