"We have worked, are working and will continue to work to solve all problems, those of a global nature and crisis situations," Putin told reporters at his country residence at Novo-Ogarevo, outside Moscow.

"We have a common interest in working together on all problems," Putin said, answering reporters' questions on the war in Iraq.

"Our relationship is based on common principles. ... We have a special interest in ensuring world peace," he said.

On ongoing US-Russian cooperation Putin cited the recent ratification by the US Senate of last year's Moscow treaty under which the two countries' offensive nuclear arsenals are to be reduced by two thirds, and added: "Russia will soon do the same."

However Putin stressed that Russia will not allow itself to be dragged into any of the world's unresolved conflicts.

"Russia cannot afford to get dragged into any crises or conflicts, of which there are quite a few. I will do everything I can to avoid Russia getting involved in the Iraqi crisis in any way," he said.

Putin reaffirmed Russia's view that the Iraqi crisis should be returned for discussion to the UN Security Council.

Stressing that Russia's position has not changed, he said "the facts of the past few days have shown the correctness of this position. ... In the end, analysis will show that this is not only in Russia's interest but also in the interest of the world in general and that of the United States."

On Wednesday Putin said that "for political and economic reasons, Russia is not interested in seeing the defeat of the United States in Iraq, (but is) interested in bringing the Iraqi problem back to the United Nations."

Russia has been one of the most outspoken opponents of the US-led war to oust Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, and has urged a diplomatic solution to the crisis within the framework of the United Nations.

Putin has described the US drive to disarm Iraq by force even without UN approval as a "serious mistake," arguing that it could destabilise the entire Middle East.

SPACE.WIRE