Russian Diplomat Discusses Situation In Middle East And Post-War Iraqi Settlement In Damascus

Post-war Iraqi issues, the Arab-Israeli conflict, implementation of the road map elaborated by the "four" of international mediators and the whole course of Middle East issues topped the agenda of the negotiations between the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Saltanov and Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shara and other high-ranking Syrian Foreign Ministry officials.

Alexander Saltanov said that he had arrived in Damascus touring a number of countries in the Middle East. His tour is conducted within the framework of the Russian party contacts, aimed at joint efforts to stabilise situation in the region, especially in the Persian Gulf area after the Iraq war.

The negotiations stressed the necessity of joint efforts in post-war Iraq with the UN playing leading role in it, as it was empowered to settle acute international issues, Saltanov disclosed following the negotiations.

Syria, as well as Russia, believes that a constructive dialogue is necessary to settle post-war Iraqi issues on the basis of international law, the Russian deputy foreign minister said.

Mr. Saltanov also pointed out that during an exchange of views on the recent events in the region the situation around Syria had been also touched upon. Both parties stand for settlement of the existing issues on the basis of a constructive and peaceful dialogue, Alexander Saltanov said.

The Russian Deputy Foreign Minister took off to Cairo to discuss topic issues in the region with the Egyptian leadership and with high officials of the League of Arab States.