MOSCOW, March 25, 2004. (RIA Novosti correspondent Pyotr Goncharov) - Moscow welcomes the international Berlin conference on Afghanistan scheduled for March 31, official spokesman for the Russian Foreign Ministry Alexander Yakovenko told RIA Novosti. Moscow considers it "an important and well-timed move to elaborate the further international strategy under the UN aegis. The strategy aims to support the Afghan government's efforts on Afghanistan's revival as a peaceful, independent and neutral state posing no threats to regional security and world stability." According to Mr. Yakovenko, Afghanistan is one of top-priority issues of Russia's foreign policy.
In Berlin Russia is to announce "parameters of its assistance to Afghan settlement" rendered since the previous 2001 conference in Bonn, the diplomat said.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will head the delegation.
