Putin to Respect New Ukraine Election -- Germany [View All]

BERLIN (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin (news - web sites) agreed in a telephone conversation with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder on Tuesday to respect the results of any new election in Ukraine, the German government said.



The three-sentence statement from the government suggested a softening of Moscow's position and appeared to increase the likelihood of a new poll to resolve a week-old crisis triggered by the country's disputed presidential election on Nov. 21.


"Chancellor Schroeder and Russian President Vladimir Putin had another telephone conversation today in which they discussed the situation in Ukraine," the statement said.


"Their conversation addressed, in particular, the question of how to find a political solution, assuring Ukraine's territorial integrity and both parties' ability to enter into talks.

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