Autism Speaks on Vaccines

At Left Brain, Right Brain, Matt Carey notices an addition to Autism Speaks's recent endorsement of vaccines:

The above statement by Mr. Ring was picked up by the press in February as it was so clear.

Next, Bob Wright, co-founder of Autism Speaks:

Over the last two decades extensive research has asked whether there is any link between childhood vaccines and autism. Scientific research has not directly connected autism to vaccines. Vaccines are very important. Parents must make the decision whether to vaccinate their children. Efforts must be continually made to educate parents about vaccine safety. If parents decide not to vaccinate they must be aware of the consequences in their community and their local schools.
Bob Wright
Co-founder, Autism Speaks

It’s a fairly stilted paragraph in my read. It comes across as though Mr. Wright is trying to appear to ride the fence while at the same time pulling back dramatically from the clear statement by Mr. Ring. Scientific research has not directly connected autism to vaccines?