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Putin: Russia ready to help Iraq
LONDON, England (CNN) -- President Vladimir Putin said Russia is willing to help the international community in the reconstruction of Iraq. Putin, speaking in a joint press conference with Britain's Prime Minister Tony Blair on the third day of his state visit to the UK, attempted to put previous disagreements on Iraq behind them. "We are ready and willing to move forward," he said Thursday. He said the international community's work in Afghanistan could be used as a template for reconstruction in Iraq. Putin denied he had embarrassed Blair over Iraq's alleged weapons of mass destruction during a visit by the British premier to Moscow earlier in the year. Although fighting came to an end two months ago, the U.S.-led coalition has yet to find any evidence of nuclear, chemical or biological weapons. "I am very sad that is how you interpreted it [the comment] in Moscow. I never said anything was funny. I think it is a very important issue." Russia opposed the U.S.-led war in which the UK sent troops. Putin called for "closure" on the issue of weapons of mass destruction because of the danger they may fall into the hands of terrorists. "If they existed, we need to know where they are and who has them because they are a threat. "We must do everything possible to constructively solve this problem. We are willing and will pay to make our contribution." Blair said the "differences that we had over Iraq are a matter of history and record. But the international community has come back together again ... pledged to work together for the future of Iraq." He added that the international community had "to make sure that the right decisions were taken on security and political reconstruction." "However difficult, we will get the job done. We have made a commitment to the people of Iraq," he said. "...If Iraq can be turned into that stable, prosperous and democratic country, then the prospects for the whole of that region and the wider world are improved." Blair and Putin also talked about the need for all major powers to work together in the fight against terrorism, the threat of WMD and the need for a strong global economy. The two leaders also discussed the situations in Iran, the Mideast and North Korea. Trade ties between Russia and the UK were also mentioned, especially the development of Russia's gas industry. Britain and Russia signed a memorandum of cooperation during an energy summit for the construction of a gas line under the Baltic Sea from Russia into the rest of Europe. Oil links were enhanced by the announcement that British oil group BP and Russia's TNK have signed a multi-billion-dollar contract to create a joint energy venture, the biggest single foreign investment deal in post-Soviet Russian history. (Full Story) "We gave a push forward to the developing energy relationship between Britain and Russia and our companies that would make Britain the number one investor in Russia," said Blair. Putin hailed the $17 billion investment of BP and Shell in the Russian energy sector, adding: "The implementation of these plans will launch Britain to the first place as far as value of investment in the Russian economy is concerned." Both countries also pledged closer cooperation "on energy at [the] government level, particularly with a view to increasing energy security; improving the climate for investment; preserving the environment; and tackling climate change." Putin stressed Russia's outlook was European -- even though a strong euro was hurting its economy at the moment. "We are not very keen on the euro being strong in itself because what we sell, we sell in dollars, and what we import, we pay for in euros. It is better for us for the euro to be weak and the dollar strong." But Europe must unite if it is to "conquer and be victorious" in the "highly competitive economic world," he said. Putin is due to host a state banquet at St James' Palace, London, on the last evening of his four-day visit. (Full Story)
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