Vladimir Putin Discussed Iraq War with Tony Blair - 31 March, 2003

On Sunday evening Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the Iraq War with British Prime Minister Tony Blair. The leaders of the two countries touched upon questions relating to Russian and British cooperation, according to the press service of the Russian President. In part, the talk mentioned the importance of the opening of the Russian Economic Forum in London. Moreover, Putin and Blair discussed the Russian President's planned visit to Great Britain in June 2003.

Speaking about the situation in Iraq, the leaders mentioned the positive meaning of the UN Security Council's decision to restart the "oil for food" program. Putin and Blair emphasized that despite differences in positions between the two countries they agree about the central role of the UN in international relations.

Vladimir Putin informed Tony Blair about the summary of results of the constitutional referendum in the Chechen Republic of the Russian Federation. The British Prime Minister placed great value on the referendum and its important results.