We have been hearing a lot lately about how the Obama administration blew the “reset” with Russia, but few people recall or ever heard how Hillary Clinton, then secretary of state, was embarrassed by a close aide in what was to be a symbolic new start in U.S. – Russia relations.
Sergei Lavrov and Hillary Clinton all smiles over “reset” button. (pool photo by Fabrice Coffrini)
It was on March 6, 2009 in Geneva. Clinton and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei V. Lavrov were to have dinner together, in what was to be an effort to mend the relationship between the two countries that had become strained.
Before they sat down, however, a photo-op was arranged. A smiling Clinton handed a small green box to Lavrov, saying I would like to present you with a little gift that represents what President Obama and Vice Predsident Biden and I have been saying and that is, we want to reset our relationship, and so we will do it together.”
Ill-conceived “reset” button. (foxnews.com)
In the box was a square yellow metal object with a bright red button. It was to symbolize the reset of the relationship. The word, “peregruzka” appeared above the button. As Lavrov smiled, Clinton said, “We worked hard to get the right Russian word. Do you think we got it?” Lavrov’s smile turned to a laugh, stopping to say, “You got it wrong. It should be “perezagruzka.” He then pointed out that the Russian word on the gift button meant “overcharged,” causing Clinton to emit one of her characteristic cackles. Continue reading
