Russian views divided over choice of next US ambassador.

Text of report by the website of heavyweight Russian newspaper Nezavisimaya Gazeta on 30 May

[Report by Andrey Terekhov: "Ambassador Extraordinary and Pre-Electionary. The Imminent Departure of John Beyrle Is A Loss for Russian-American Relations"]

The report of the imminent change of US ambassador to Russia has prompted a major feedback in Moscow. Experts and diplomats questioned by Nezavisimaya Gazeta concur in the opinion that the current ambassador, John Beyrle, has played a positive role in bilateral relations. Forecasts concerning whether his expected successor - Michael McFaul - will manage to pick up the baton and build on his success are so far not so unequivocal. One of the reasons for this is the imminent elections both in Russia and in America.

As Nezavisimaya Gazeta reported yesterday, with reference to a source in the White House, US President Barack Obama has decided to appoint his special adviser Michael McFaul, senior director for Russia in the White House's National Security Council, as the next …