Moscow, 26 January 2004 (RFE/RL) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell discussed the Iraqi situation in Moscow today and Putin called for the return of the United Nations to Iraq.
Powell met today with Putin and Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov. Putin restated Moscow's position that the United Nations should play a leading role in an Iraqi settlement.
Putin also said that Russia is ready to address the question of debt relief for Iraq within the Paris Club of creditors.
Powell raised the issue of Russian military bases in Georgia, which Moscow had previously pledged to close down in 1999.
Powell arrived in Moscow yesterday from the Georgian capital Tbilisi, where he attended the inauguration of the state's new president, Mikheil Saakashvili.
Putin also said that Russia is ready to address the question of debt relief for Iraq within the Paris Club of creditors.
Powell raised the issue of Russian military bases in Georgia, which Moscow had previously pledged to close down in 1999.
Powell arrived in Moscow yesterday from the Georgian capital Tbilisi, where he attended the inauguration of the state's new president, Mikheil Saakashvili.