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Bill Clinton congratulated Vladimir Putin on his landslide victory in the presidential election stressing its historic significance.

Both parties emphasised the broad opportunities for further development of constructive interaction between Russia and the US on the bilateral and international agendas.

During a prolonged talk the two leaders discussed some issues of cooperation in the field of security, arms control and relations with international financial institutions.

During the exchange of opinions on the situation in the North Caucasus Mr Putin, while agreeing with Mr Clinton that crimes committed in Chechnya should be investigated, noted that all those involved in international terrorist atrocities, including hostage taking, torture and murder, must be punished. As a recent example, he reported the capture in Chechnya of one of the field commanders complicit in the brutal murder of five British hostages.

The Russian and US leaders also discussed short-term plans of contacts at various levels, including the top level.