Russian Foreign Ministry Denies Allegations That Putin Plans To Visit Middle East

The Russian Foreign Ministry has issued an official statement in response to reports of foreign media that Russian President Vladimir Putin was going to visit soon a number of Middle East countries, including Iraq. According to the document, these reports "distort the essence of the statements Russian Ambassador to Jordan made in an interview with the Al-Arab Al-Yaoum newspaper." Indeed, according to the Foreign Minister, the Russian diplomat said as follows: "Recently, state officials and journalists have frequently addressed questions to Russian embassies abroad about a possible visit by President Vladimir Putin to the Middle East." "We confirm that the Russian President is paying a great attention to the complicated situation in the region, in particular, to finding ways out of the protracted Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and easing the situation surrounding Iraq." "Virtually all Middle East leaders have invited the president to visit their countries, and he will consider this, while planning his possible trip to the region."