Press encounter after meeting with Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, (unofficial transcript)

SG: We have discussed the Russian Federation's relationship with the United Nations. And his [Vladimir Putin's] belief in UN. And I was able to thank the President and the Russian people for the strong support they have given to the Organisation. And where the UN is seen as an important part of their foreign policy. And we have agreed that in this interdependent world we need the UN more than ever. We've also reviewed the situation in the Balkans, Middle East and UN sanctions in Iraq. We have also discussed Sierra Leone and were able to thank the President for the very effective helicopter crew that is operating with the peace-keeping operations. Finally, I told the President that I am looking forward to seeing him in New York during the General Assembly. Thank you.

FM Ivanov: [Translated from Russian] I would like to add the following to what has just been said by the Secretary-General. President Vladimir Putin expressed Russia's firm support to the UN, firm support to the activities of the United Nations with regard to commitments to peace and stability. Russia believes that the basis for international activities should be the respect for the UN Charter and the principles of international law. This is necessary to resolve the conflicts and the problems which the international community is facing now. President Vladimir Putin has assured the Secretary-General that Russia is the UN's reliable partner in the time to come.

Q: Sometimes the UN in local conflicts is replaced by NATO. What do you think about it?

FM Ivanov: [Translated from Russian] I think I have already clearly stated the position of the Russian Federation : in order to resolve regional conflicts we should respect the principles of the United Nations Charter. This primarily has to do with the use of force. We proceed from this assumption when we formulate our approaches to settlement of regional conflicts and other solutions. On other issues, we believe that the United Nations should be the key international organisation to resolve all the problems and to secure peace and stability in the world.

Q: Have you discussed ABM treaty and the American decision to withdraw from that treaty?

SG: We have not come up directly, but I had the chance to state my position very clearly. And I think that my position is one that indicates that we need to build an international treaty system which is thoroughly assessed and we must be sure that the new anti-ballistic missile system does not lead to another arms race. And obviously the US government has indicated that strategic discussions are required, long and deep strategic discussions on this issue. And I believe that dialogue has begun and the US administration has sent envoys around the world to explain their position and I believe they have been in Moscow recently. Thank you. *****