Moscow, July 14: Russia today welcomed the establishment of governing council in Iraq as the "first major step" for formation of a post-Saddam national government and said it was ready to begin cooperation with it to develop traditional friendly ties between the two countries. "In Russia, the start of the "governing council" is seen as the first major step for the transfer of governing powers from the coalition forces to the people of Iraq," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement.

"We are ready to establish contacts with the 'governing council' and to cooperate with it to further develop traditional friendly relations and co-operation between Russia and Iraq," it said. Russia hoped that the council will be guided by principles of democracy and equality. "We presume that in its functioning the "governing council" will be guided by the principles of democracy, equality, respect for the rights and freedoms of the individuals and will work in close contact with the United Nations and its representative on Iraq," the Russian foreign office.

Bureau Report