"The essence of positions of Russia, Germany and France on Iraq has not changed," he told a joint press conference with the French and German leaders after the tripartite summit in the Russian city of St. Petersburg.

Meanwhile, he noted that "reconstruction, transition to peace life, and solution of humanitarian problems" are prime tasks in Iraq.

Putin stressed that the three-way summit is not aimed at breaking up the international community but searching for a resolution that would be accepted by all involved parties, according to Itar-Tass report.

"Our meetings are open, and we are ready to work in such way," Putin was quoted as saying.

The Russian president also urged that the international weapon inspection staff should return to Iraq.

Any discovery of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq "can not be regarded as legitimate without the presence of the inspectors," Putin noted.

(Xinhua News Agency April 12, 2003)