Transcript of remarks by Russian Foreign Minister following meeting with US Pres. Bush – Foreign Affairs Ministry press release/Non-UN document (excerpts)

Unofficial translation from Russian 

Transcript of Remarks and Replies to Media Questions by Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov Following Meeting with US President George W. Bush, Washington, March 7, 2006 

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Question: Please comment on the situation with Hamas.

Foreign Minister Lavrov: I already sufficiently elucidated this theme at the State Department press conference. We affirmed the coordinated position of the Quartet, consisting of Russia, the United States, European Union and UN. President Bush expressed satisfaction with the efforts undertaken in this direction.

Question: Is the Quartet divided on Hamas?

Foreign Minister Lavrov: No, it is not. The Quartet members adhere to the common position on Hamas and it is reflected in the statement of the Quartet. The contacts Russia maintains with Hamas seek to ensure that the movement accepts the Quartet's position.

March 8, 2006