VOA标准英语2009年-Russia Notes Positive Tone From Obama

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says the Kremlin has noted¹ a positive tone in the first statements made by the Obama administration on Russian and international relations. And President Dmitri Medvedev has indicated Russian willingness to cooperate with NATO.
　
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (File)

Speaking at a meeting in Moscow with representatives of non-governmental organizations, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the positive U.S. tone has been noted on the presidential and ministerial levels. He told the representatives the world is ready for change, and noted U.S. President Barack Obama came to power on a slogan of change.

Lavrov says Russia expects changes to reflect the new state of geopolitics, the global economy and finance. He said those changes should also reflect understanding of a need to create a polycentric system of global management, which would assure creative answers to common threats and challenges based on strict adherence² to international law.

Meanwhile, Russian President Dmitri Medvedev says his country is interested in mutually advantageous³ and effective ties with NATO that are not aimed at other countries. In a televised meeting with Russia's NATO Ambassador, Dmitri Rogozin, Mr. Medvedev said a diverse Russia-NATO agenda could address political threats, various military conflicts, organized crime, and drug trafficking.

The Medvedev and Lavrov statements follow U.S.-Russian consultations⁴ this week on Afghanistan. The U.S. Embassy in Moscow issued a statement Wednesday saying both sides held interagency talks on February 10 and 11 on many issues related to Afghanistan.

They include refurbishing infrastructure⁵ in Afghanistan; Russian assistance to the Afghan National Army; OSCE activities regarding Afghanistan; counternarcotics; Afghanistan presidential elections; and cooperation in the framework of the NATO-Russia Council, including the transit⁶ arrangements for non-lethal supplies through Russia to international forces in Afghanistan.

The embassy statement says both sides also agreed to continue cooperation and discussions in the future.

1 noted   

adj.著名的，知名的

参考例句：

• The local hotel is noted for its good table.当地的那家酒店以餐食精美而著称。
• Jim is noted for arriving late for work.吉姆上班迟到出了名。

2 adherence   

n.信奉，依附，坚持，固着

参考例句：

• He was well known for his adherence to the rules.他因遵循这些规定而出名。
• The teacher demanded adherence to the rules.老师要求学生们遵守纪律。

3 advantageous   

adj.有利的；有帮助的

参考例句：

• Injections of vitamin C are obviously advantageous.注射维生素C显然是有利的。
• You're in a very advantageous position.你处于非常有利的地位。

4 consultations   

n.磋商（会议）( consultation的名词复数 )；商讨会；协商会；查找

参考例句：

• Consultations can be arranged at other times by appointment. 磋商可以通过预约安排在其他时间。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
• Consultations are under way. 正在进行磋商。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》

5 infrastructure   

n.下部构造，下部组织，基础结构，基础设施

参考例句：

• We should step up the development of infrastructure for research.加强科学基础设施建设。
• We should strengthen cultural infrastructure and boost various types of popular culture.加强文化基础设施建设，发展各类群众文化。

6 transit   

n.经过，运输；vt.穿越，旋转；vi.越过

参考例句：

• His luggage was lost in transit.他的行李在运送中丢失。
• The canal can transit a total of 50 ships daily.这条运河每天能通过50条船。