America fired a shot across the bows of its former foe yesterday as Condoleezza Rice warned Russia it must renew its commitment to democracy and said she had concerns over the direction of the former Soviet Union.
In a sign that Washington's stance towards Moscow is toughening, the new US Secretary of State told a news conference in Warsaw: 'It is important Russia make clear to the world that it is intent on strengthening the rule of law, strengthening the role of an independent judiciary, permitting a free and independent press. These are all the basics of democracy.'
Rice was speaking on her eight-day tour of Europe and the Middle East, aimed at repairing relations with allies concerned about the war in Iraq.
She was due to meet her Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, last night, when she was expected to ask him to put a fuel supply deal for an Iranian nuclear reactor on hold.
Rice's appointment as Secretary of State was greeted with some consternation in Moscow, where her predecessor Colin Powell was much admired.
Some Kremlin analysts say President Vladimir Putin is worried about the effect of having a neo-conservative Russian expert in such a powerful position.
Yesterday, Rice said: 'We really do believe a more democratic foundation in Russia... will strengthen and put substance into a deepening relationship with the democracies of Europe, and indeed the United States.'
Washington first complained that Russia 'was backsliding' on democratic reforms last year, comments that pressured relations already strained over Iraq. Rice had argued that the Kremlin had amassed too much power and expressed worry about the impartiality of the judiciary.
In December, the Moscow parliament approved Putin's plans to scrap gubernatorial elections and allow the President to nominate governors.
Russia opposed the US-led invasion of Iraq but has lately sought to ease tensions, welcoming last Sunday's Iraqielections.
Rice arrived in Warsaw yesterday after meeting British and German officials on Friday. She met Polish Prime Minister Marek Belka and Foreign Minister Adam Rotfeld, thanking them for Poland's 'extraordinary contribution' in Iraq.
Although Powell was regarded as the gentler face of the Bush cabinet, he was criticised for travelling too little when face-to-face diplomacy was needed to win allies.