There are a whole series of important questions in which we have seriously advanced. I want to stress that apart from the specific problems which we are currently discussing and trying to solve, we also have some long-term questions. Among them - the creation of a common European space in the economic, legal, energy and security areas. The implementation of all these projects, and they are very ambitious, from our point of view, would substantially change the very face of Europe. This would be an important step forward in the attainment of our common objective - the creation of a greater, united and democratic Europe. These tasks, of course, are always present in our work.

Other concrete issues were examined, those relating to the solution of a number of economic problems in view of the EU enlargement. The entry of a number of states into the European Union should not have an adverse effect on their relations with Russia. Matters concerning talks on Russia's joining the World Trade Organization were considered.

In the context of the EU enlargement we paid due attention to the problem of life support for the Kaliningrad Region. All these questions are now being constructively examined. We hope that by the summit in Moscow we will be able to submit concrete reports and proposals in what direction and how to move forward.

The situation in the Middle East was discussed at length. Our positions practically concur. We believe that today it is necessary completely and without delay to implement UN Security Council resolution 1402, which has been adopted unanimously and which contains calls for the parties to end violence. We all not only support the struggle against international terrorism, but are also waging it in practice as part of the international coalition. The international community is ready to lend Israel all the necessary assistance in the struggle against terrorism. But it should not lead, as has already been said, to a destruction of Palestinian Authority structures, since this would further complicate the process of resolving the situation, both in the Palestinian territories and in the Middle East as a whole. Palestinian-Israeli settlement is a component element of Middle East settlement. It is therefore necessary to so act here as, while solving one problem, not to create new additional complexities which could, in their overall effect, aggravate the situation in the region.

A new form of close cooperation within the Four, consisting of Russia, the EU, the US and UN, has developed to resolve the situation in the Middle East. This cooperation precisely reflects the new character of our relations. A unique situation has developed, in which we act on the basis of virtually the common positions formulated in UN Security Council resolutions, Tenet's well-known proposals as to security measures and those of the Mitchell Commission on confidence measures and the resumption of political dialogue. It is important that all these proposals should be realized in practice. We have agreed to closely coordinate further our efforts both in the UN and within other structures, as well as at the bilateral level. We consider it very important to coordinate our efforts with Arab states, which in Beirut gave a signal in favor of a long-term Middle East settlement. We hope that our efforts will lead to the desired result. And the result must be only one - to stop violence and bloodshed and to resume the political dialogue in the interests of a long-term resolution of the situation in the region.

Question: Is any pressure being exerted by George W. Bush on Israel under UN Security Council resolution 1402 with the objective of changing the policy of Tel Aviv toward Palestine? Are there any prerequisites for the US taking a more active stand on resolving the situation in the Middle East? And the second question - is it possible for the European Union to adopt a decision to pay a top-level visit to the Middle East so as to persuade Israel immediately to let diplomats and peacemakers start a process of peaceful settlement and hold talks with Yasser Arafat?

Foreign Minister Ivanov: UN Security Council resolution 1402 was adopted unanimously, so there can be no other interpretations in this case. We maintain a continual dialogue with our American partners, both within the Four and at the bilateral level. I want to draw your attention to the fact that Security Council resolution 1402 contains references to the proposals that were formulated by US representatives. It points directly to the proposals of Mr. Tenet and of the Mitchell Commission. This just emphasizes that we highly value the active involvement of the US in the search of ways to resolve the situation. Moreover, this is one of the key units in our joint efforts. We will continue to act together and in a most coordinated way.

Question: In practice we see that it is impossible to achieve a complete cessation of terrorist activities in Palestine and Israel. Don't you think that now is the most appropriate moment to take a more drastic step and recognize the statehood of Palestine?

Foreign Minister Ivanov: As far as the recognition of a Palestinian state is concerned, this arises from the latest UN Security Council resolutions containing a call for Israel and Palestine, as two states, to build political relations between themselves. In Russia there is the ambassador of Palestine, so for us this is not the question which needs to be fixed once again. This has already been done long ago by our country. The struggle against terrorism, and we know this from experience both in Russia and Spain, is not a one-off action. It is, unfortunately, complex, multipronged and long. It requires both the efforts of the respective states and the solidarity and support of the world community. And that after the tragedy of September 11 an international antiterrorist coalition took shape is a symbolic and important response of the international community to the challenge from international terrorism. We believe these international efforts need to be developed and strengthened. Only by joint efforts will we be able to achieve success. But, unfortunately, this is a very long and complex struggle, which will request of us all both efforts and coordinated actions and the consideration of the interests of each other.

Question: How do you conceive the prospect of developing Russian relations with the EU in the field of security and defense in the context of the EU-NATO-Russia triangle, in the context of the changes in relations between the EU and NATO, in the context of the Russia-NATO Saragoza Meetings and in the context of the creation of a Council at 20 mechanism?

Foreign Minister Ivanov: I find difficulty saying whether this cooperation will some day assume the character of a "triangle" or some other figure.

Today we are conducting talks with the European Union on questions of mutual interest in the fields of foreign policy and joint defense. In parallel we are conducting talks with NATO on reaching a new level of partner relations. In this case we speak of the creation of the format of a Council at 20. We believe that one should not replace the other. On the contrary, it is two processes which are going in parallel and supplementing each other. The aim is but one - to create structures and mechanisms which would strengthen European security. At this stage we regard this as our objective.