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The main theme Mr Putin and Mr Blair discussed at the meeting was the post-war rehabilitation and development of Iraq and the UN role in the process.

President Putin and Prime Minister Blair also discussed Russia-EU interaction, preparations for the Russia-EU summit to be held in St Petersburg in May 2003, and the situation in the Middle East, on the Korean Peninsula and in Afghanistan.

The President said that the proposal on a three-stage settlement of the Iraqi issue made by the British Prime Minister was reasonable.

It will serve as a basis for discussing the problem and achieving a bridging of positions, Vladimir Putin said at a press conference following the talks.

At all stages it is necessary to clearly define the role of the United Nations and the UN Security Council. The President does not rule out that the situation in Iraq can be settled without UN participation since the war started without its sanction. However, this will not be a long-term, effective and just settlement.

Mr Blair proposed a three-stage plan for Iraqi settlement. The first stage should provide for the country’s post-war rehabilitation, ensure stability and security and improve the humanitarian situation. The country’s provisional administration should be formed during the second stage, and a new constitution and a powerful government created at the third. The country’s coalition forces must cooperate with the United Nations in fulfilling these tasks, the British Prime Minister said.

The President underlined the need to urgently solve humanitarian problems in Iraq. With this aim in view, it is necessary to implement the Oil for Food programme. In post-war Iraq, it must also be implemented under UN control.

The second key problem is the search for the weapons of mass destruction. Its solution is connected with the need for inspections in post-war conditions. Russia is ready to actively participate in ensuring the UN inspectors’ activities in Iraq.

Touching upon the problem of Iraqi debts, President Putin said that this issue must be thoroughly examined. Russia is ready to discuss it, but only within the framework of the Paris Club.