Russian president: Declaration on Middle East obtained through compromises

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“I and G8 members were inquiring into the Middle East situation practically live,” Russian President Vladimir Putin stated later on July 16 at a news conference in Strelna. “We talked it over lively on what the declaration should be. At a certain moment, I and Tony assumed responsibility, invited experts, and took part ourselves in working out the document.” As a REGNUM correspondent informs, Vladimir Putin stressed that as a result, the participants had succeeded in achieving balanced formulations. Answering the question, why some states are not mentioned in the declaration as threatening ones, Vladimir Putin stressed that “one should not permit oneself to label countries as ‘terrorist’ ones without incontestable proofs.” “We know, there are Islamic states, which contribute to constructive settlement of the situation,” Mr. Putin said. “But certain regimes are supported from the direction of some states; we know it too… We may not name the states; however, there are more than enough hints.”