Putin says "Iran has no plans to develop nuclear weapons"

Putin told a Kremlin press conference. Putin told the United States and other nations seeking to negotiate peace in the Middle East "should not ignore" Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. "We have thought and continue to think that we cannot fail to take into account the role of Yasser Arafat inthe Middle East peace process. This is an influential person, and many people in the region rely on him," said Putin. Putin also said a months-long dispute over the war in Iraqi war has not seriously hurt Russia’s relations with the United States. "It is true that the situation concerning — and around — Iraq was a serious test for Russia-US relations," Putin told. "We have come out of this situation with minimal
losses," Putin added.