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President Vladimir Putin expressed the hope that the Iraqi leadership would take into account the interests of Russian companies following the planned elections.

Meeting with Prime Minister of the Iraqi Interim Government Iyad Allawi, President Vladimir Putin noted that Russia is writing off more than 90 percent of Iraq’s debt – more than other member of the Paris Club – out of solidarity with the friendly Iraqi people.

Mr Putin said he hoped the Iraqi leadership would take into account the interests of Russian companies in Iraq following the elections scheduled to be held on January 30, 2005. At the same time, it is not entirely clear how it will be possible to both organise elections while Iraq is still occupied by foreign troops and normalise the situation in the country.

The President said that Russia will do everything it can to support the Iraqi people in rebuilding their country’s economy and feels solidarity with them in the fight against terrorism.