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At the meeting the current situation in the Middle East, national-security measures and measures to minimise economic losses incurred by the Second Gulf War were discussed.

Vladimir Putin made a statement in connection with the latest events in Iraq.

The President stressed that the US-British coalition’s military operations ran counter to global public opinion, the principles and norms of international law and the UN Charter.

Mr Putin said the military operations against Iraq were a major political mistake, which had humanitarian implications, and that he was also concerned about the possible disintegration of the existing international-security system.

President Putin said the hostilities must be stopped as soon as possible and that the UN must play a pivotal role in settling international crises, including in Iraq. The President said Moscow would advocate a peace settlement and genuine solution of the Iraqi problem on the basis of UN Security Council resolutions and with due respect for the Iraqi nation’s legitimate interests, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Russian President’s statement on Iraq was circulated as an official document in six languages at the UN headquarters in New York.