Russia's Foreign Minister holds a number of meetings in New York

Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov has held a number of bilateral meetings in New York, spokesman for the Russian Foreign Ministry Alexander Yakovenko told journalists.

Igor Ivanov met, in particular, with the Egyptian Foreign Minister. The Egyptian Minister backed Russia's initiative on its joining the activity of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) as an observer. The Ministers also declared to be for strengthening the role of the UN in the Iraqi settlement and informed each other of the moves which are being made to achieve an early restoration of sovereignty and socioeconomic revival of Iraq.

The situation in Iraq was discussed also at Igor Ivanov's meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Libya. Besides that, the Ministers paid special attention to the current situation in Libya in connection with the recent decision of the UN Security Council to abolish the sanctions imposed with regard to that country in 1992-1993. The Ministers noted the importance of holding a meeting of the joint working group as soon as possible. As Yakovenko noted, preparation for a visit of Libyan leader Muammar Qadhafi to Russia could begin within this group.

On Monday Igor Ivanov also met Minister of Foreign Affairs of Venezuela Roy Chaderton Matos. Matos told Igor Ivanov of the situation in Venezuela and of the government measures to settle the political crisis. The Foreign Ministers discussed the development of bilateral trade-and-economic relations.

In the course of his meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, a joint statement on the establishment of diplomatic relations and exchange of Ambassadors at large was signed.

Igor Ivanov also held meetings with his counterparts from the Dominican Republic and Pakistan.