US says "disappointed" by Putin criticism

WASHINGTON, Feb 10 (Reuters) The White House said today it was ''surprised and disappointed'' by Russian President Vladimir Putin's accusations that the United States was trying to force its will on the world.

Delivering one of his harshest attacks on the United States in seven years in power, Putin said the United States was making the world more dangerous by pursuing policies aimed at making it ''one single master.'' ''We are surprised and disappointed with President Putin's comments. His accusations are wrong,'' said Gordon Johndroe, press secretary for the White House National Security Council.

''We expect to continue cooperation with Russia in areas important to the international community such as counterterrorism and reducing the spread and threat of weapons of mass destruction,'' Johndroe added.

REUTERS DKS BST0118