Vladimir Putin: UN Role in Post-War Iraq Needs to Be Strengthened

After the war in Iraq, the central role of the UN must not only be re-established but also strengthened, said Russian President Vladimir Putin in a press conference summarizing negotiations with British Prime Minister Tony Blair on Tuesday.

He also said that the 'oil for food' program in post-war Iraq was also necessary to realize under control of the UN. Putin said that Russia was prepared to take the most active part in providing for the activity of UN inspectors in Iraq. Putin also said that the question of restructuring the Iraqi debt needs to be carefully worked out and that Russia is prepared to discuss it not only as part of the Paris club.

The next meeting between the two leaders will be in St. Petersburg at the end of May during the city's tri-centennial celebration.