DATE= 9/30/2002

TYPE= CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE= SHARON RUSSIA (S-2nd-Update)

NUMBER=2-294671

BYLINE= LISA MCADAMS

DATELINE= MOSCOW

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

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INTRO: In lengthy talks at the Kremlin Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon for lifting the siege of Yasser Arafat's compound. VOA's Lisa McAdams reports the two leaders also discussed the possibility of war against Iraq, but there were no reports of any change in their opposing viewpoints.

TEXT: Mr. Sharon left a wave of criticism at home to travel to Moscow, where he was praised by President Putin for his actions Sunday in lifting the siege.

President Putin welcomed the move, saying he believed the decision must have been difficult to make.

Briefing reporters after the nearly four hours of talks Monday, Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov said Mr. Sharon also expressed his concern over Iraq's possible possession of weapons of mass destruction.

Earlier, President Putin reiterated his call for the speedy return of U-N weapons inspectors to Iraq. But he said a solution to the stand-off must be found through the U-N Security Council.

Mr. Sharon continues his visit on Tuesday with meetings with more Russian officials and the head of Russia's Orthodox Church. (Signed)

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