Amid mounting U.S.-Russian tensions, President George W. Bush will meet with President Vladimir Putin July 1 and 2 at the Bush family home in Kennebunkport, Maine, the White House announced Wednesday. “It's an opportunity for him and President Putin to continue what is always, for the two of them, candid and very honest conversations about things that matter,” White House spokesman Tony Snow told reporters. “The presidents will discuss a wide range of issues, including Iran, civil nuclear cooperation, and missile defense,” the White House said in a statement. “Cooperation between the United States and Russia is important in solving regional conflicts, stopping the spread of weapons of mass destruction, and combating terrorism and extremism.” Bush and Putin will see each other next week in Germany during the annual summit of the Group of Eight (G-8) industrialized democracies.
