Mr Putin said that the joint statement by Russia, France and Germany on Iraq was, in fact, an initial step towards creating the multi-polar world that was given so much attention.
It was the first post-war attempt to settle an acute and complicated problem of international security outside of coalitions.
The President confirmed the permanence of the Russian position aimed at finding a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
See also
Replies to Russian Journalists' Questions
February 11, 2003
State Visit to France
February 10 − 12, 2003