US President Barack Obama on Friday to clarify his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, said "I don't have a bad relationship" with him, but he added, it would be appropriate for US to take a pause in relationship with Russia.
Obama held a press conference on Friday in the White House and questions on foreign policy were mostly about US-Russia relations and Edward Snowden.
"l do not think Mr. Snowden is a patriot," said Obama.
In response to a question regarding his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russia, after Snowden asylum, Obama to clarify his relationship with Putin said "I don't have a bad relationship" with him.
Regarding his decision to back off direct summit with Putin, Obama said, his decision was not only taken in wake of Snowden asylum, but also part of all range of issues which US and Russia have not been able to agree on.
Obama added, it would be appropriate for US to take a pause in relationship with Russia.
In the wake of Russia's decision to grant Snowden temporary asylum, Obama had decided to cancel his September meeting with Putin.
Obama will attend G20 summit in St. Petersburg, Russia, but he had no plans to hold one-on-one talks with Putin.
The decision has been assumed as an US anger over Russia's receiving temporary asylum request of National Security Agency leaker Snowden and on other key issues like missile defense, human rights and Russia's Syria policy.
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