TODAY: US optimistic on future relations with Russia, remains critical on Georgia situation; Medvedev orders new government to begin redistributing federal lands; art market faces crisis over discovery of fakes. ‘Medved’ is the Russian word for ‘bear’. President Dmitry Medvedev’s inauguration ceremony was a far cry from that of Boris Yeltsin in 1991. US President George Bush expects to have a good relationship with Medvedev, despite foreign policy disagreements. “He looks forward to working with him and wishes him the best on his new position,” said Dana Perino. A Pentagon spokesman commented on the Victory Day military display: “If they wish to take out their old equipment and take it for a spin, and check it out, they’re more than welcome to do so.” The White House wants Russia to “back down” in the escalating fight with neighboring Georgia over the breakaway province of Abkhazia, and Russian newspaper Kommersant notes that this is “the only support Georgia has drummed up in its latest showdown with Moscow,” although the EU has also criticized Russia’s stance. Two Russian airplanes will deliver humanitarian aid to Myanmar today.