Russia-Britain: Differences over Iraq recede into past, says Blair

Russian-British differences over Iraq have receded into the past, said Prime Minister Tony Blair as he and Russia's President Vladimir Putin were addressing a joint news conference to sum up today's negotiations.

Ever since the UN Security Council adopted its resolution No. 1483, Europe, Russia, the USA and China have been willing to join hands for the Iraqi future, and tackle related issues together. "Now I really feel the world is working in concert," though opinions may differ on particular matters, said Mr. Blair.

President Putin said he agreed with Tony Blair's every word. "Our opinions occasionally do not coincide. When they don't, we frankly say so to each other - and we never conceal our differences from the public," he added.