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Putin says Russia does not rule out sending troops to Iraq
Novo-Ogaryovo, Russia, Sept 21: President Vladimir Putin said that Russia is ready to put aside differences over the war in Iraq to work with the United States on rebuilding the country, even holding out the possibility of eventually sending troops. But he told reporters that the United Nations must have a real, not a decorative, role.
Novo-Ogaryovo, Russia, Sept 21: President Vladimir Putin said that Russia is ready to put aside differences over the war in Iraq to work with the United States on rebuilding
the country, even holding out the possibility of eventually sending troops. But he told reporters that the United Nations must have a real, not a decorative, role.
The Russian leader, who is attending the UN General
Assembly session in New York that starts on Tuesday, appeared
optimistic about his upcoming talks with Bush at Camp David.
Putin set the stage for cooperation with the United States as well as bargaining with Bush, who wants a new UN resolution for a multinational force. The Russian President insisted that "the UN must have a real role, not a decorative role."
"In contrast to many participants of this process, our approach is quite liberal," Putin said. "Theoretically, we don't exclude more active participation of Russia in the restoration of Iraq, including the participation of our military in the normalisation process."
However, Putin quickly added that "in practical terms, the question of sending Russian troops is not at the current time on the agenda - it is not even being considered."
Putin set the stage for cooperation with the United States as well as bargaining with Bush, who wants a new UN resolution for a multinational force. The Russian President insisted that "the UN must have a real role, not a decorative role."
"In contrast to many participants of this process, our approach is quite liberal," Putin said. "Theoretically, we don't exclude more active participation of Russia in the restoration of Iraq, including the participation of our military in the normalisation process."
However, Putin quickly added that "in practical terms, the question of sending Russian troops is not at the current time on the agenda - it is not even being considered."
Bureau Report