French Foreign Minister Meets Russian Security Council Secretary

On Tuesday evening French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine and Russian Security Council Secretary Vladimir Rushailo discussed strategic issues, Russia's relations with foreign partners, the ABM Treaty and the situation around Afghanistan, Francois Rivasseau, the official spokesman for the French Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday. According to him, the sides agreed that it is necessary to continue international community's efforts to form a genuine representative government in Afghanistan as soon as possible. Vedrine reminded Rushailo of France's position in the EU. It implies the necessity to render humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people and that the international community should help to consolidate the power of the Northern Alliance in all Afghan regions. Vladimir Rushailo's three-day visit to Paris will end on Wednesday. During the visit, he also negotiated with the French Defence and Interior Ministers.