PRIMAKOV LOOKS TO MIDDLE EAST…

Russian foreign minister Yevgeny Primakov yesterday praised U.S. secretary of state Madeleine Albright’s just completed diplomatic foray into the Middle East. But, in a remark that underscored Russia’s desire to play a more influential role in the region, Primakov said that international participation in the peace process there needs to be widened and that conditions demand a contribution from countries — like Russia — "less engaged" in the region. Primakov’s remarks came during talks in Moscow with Oman’s foreign minister. (Itar-Tass, September 15)

…Denies Assisting Iran.