President Putin on Iraqi problem

Russian President Vladimir Putin urged the world community to realize the decision of the Iraqi authorities to resume the work of international inspectors in Iraq.

Speaking in the Kremlin on Thursday during a ceremony of handing in credentials by ambassadors of several states, the president said it would "provide an answer to all the anxieties of the world community." Once again, he confirmed the position Russia holds in respect of the Iraqi settlement process.

According to Putin, Russia stands up for settlement of the situation by "political and diplomatic means on the basis of the United Nations Security Council's resolutions and strictly in accordance with the principles and norms of international law." The decision of the Iraqi authorities to "resume the activity of international inspectors in Iraq" provides a "good opportunity."