MOSCOW, May 7 (RIA Novosti) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has held telephone talks with his French and Italian counterparts, Michel Barnier and Franco Frattini, respectively.
Messrs. Lavrov and Barnier shared opinions on some of the topical international issues, specifically the latest developments in the Middle East. They noted the similarity of the stances taken by Moscow and Paris on issues related to both Iraq and Israel. Mr. Lavrov briefed Mr. Barnier on the results of the Mideast Quartet's May 4 session in New York City.
The Russian minister's conversation with his Italian opposite number was also centered on the latest developments in the Middle East. Mr. Lavrov spoke in favor of holding a "stage-by-stage international forum, which would provide the soonest possible stabilization of the situation in Iraq and the restoration of sovereignty of that country."
