MOSCOW. April 4 (Interfax-AVN) - President Vladimir Putin has promised to do everything in his power to prevent Russia from being drawn into the international conflict.
"Russia has not allowed itself to become involved in numerous crises and conflicts. I will do everything I can, everything in my power, to avoid Russia's involvement in any form in the Iraq crisis," Putin told journalists after his meeting with well-known surgeon Leonid Roshal on Thursday.
The president also commented on a number of economic reasons why Russia is not interested in the United States' defeat in Iraq, either moral or political.
He said that the United States is Russia's largest business partner. In 2002, trade turnover between the two countries was USD9.2bn and is estimated at USD10bn in 2003. "The U.S. economy and currency play a global role. They are key to the development of the European and Russian economies," the president said.
Putin said that any drop in the dollar's exchange rate will have a direct effect on Europe and Russia.
The president added that Russian Central Bank reserves are currently at a record high, standing at USD55.5bn. "Any decline in the dollar would deliver a blow to the Russian Central Bank and affect Russian citizens' savings," Putin said.
Putin also noted that Russia's stance on Iraq is well-known and remains unchanged. "What is now going on confirms that the Russian approach is correct," he stressed.
Commenting on emotional remarks from some people concerning the Iraq crisis, Putin said that he understands these people to a certain extent and shares their feelings. But the president added that he thinks that "emotions are bad advisers in decision- making."