Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=4/29/2003

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=RUSSIA / BRITAIN / IRAQ (S)

NUMBER=2-302679

BYLINE=LISA McADAMS

DATELINE=MOSCOW

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Russian President Vladimir Putin is to discuss the post-war reconstruction of Iraq with British Prime Minister Tony Blair in Moscow. V-O-A's Lisa McAdams reports from Russia's capital that the U-N role in the rebuilding process is expected to be high on the agenda.

TEXT: President Putin's top foreign policy adviser, Sergei Prikhodko, told Russia's Interfax news agency the two leaders will discuss cooperation in the U-N Security Council on the post-war reconstruction of Iraq.

President Putin wants the United Nations to be given a central role in the rebuilding of Iraq.

U-S officials have said only that the United Nations can play a role, but stress that coalition partners will take the lead.

In addition, Mr. Prikhodko said President Putin and Mr. Blair would also discuss relations between Russia and the European Union, as well as a visit to London by Mr. Putin that is scheduled for June. (SIGNED)

NEB/LAM/KL/RAE