Russia for political solution of the Iraqi crisis

The press office at the Russian Presidency said on Monday that President Boris Yeltsin stressed the importance of using political and diplomatic means to settle the Iraqi crisis, SANA reported.

Such assurances were also included in a message sent by Yeltsin to Syrian President Hafez al-Assad conveyed by the Russian Defense Minister Igor Sergiev during his Sunday's visit to Syria. The press office added that this message is "a continuation of a clear exchange of opinions between the Syrian and Russian leaders on urgent international issues as well as bilateral cooperation.

In his message to al-Assad the Russian president expressed his satisfaction over the positive development of Russian-Syrian relationships and confirmed that he "is ready to coordinate efforts with Syria."