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The leaders of the two countries discussed pressing international issues and focused on the situation in Iraq.

It was noted that Russia’s and the UK’s principal approaches to the Iraqi problem were very similar: they both support the return of international inspectors to Iraq, and establishing UN control and inspections in line with the UN Security Council resolutions.

The Russian President stressed that there was potential for a political solution to the Iraqi problem and said the use of force against Iraq could hardly be justified from the point of view of international law. It can result in serious negative consequences for the situation in the Persian Gulf and in the Middle East, as well as disturb the viability of the counter-terrorist coalition.

Mr Putin and Mr Blair agreed to keep in contact in regard to this and other relevant issues, and discussed the British Prime Minister’s visit to Russia scheduled for October 2002.