Russia and NATO meet in Brussels

The Russian foreign minister, Yevgeniy Primakov, has held talks with NATO foreign ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels.

The discussions took place within the framework of the NATO-Russia Permanent Joint Council, which was set up last May.

US secretary of state, Madeleine Albright, pressed Mr Primakov to continue what she called Russia's vital role in dealing with Iraq.

She also asked him to help stop the transfer of missile technology to Iran.

Mr Primakov repeated Russia's rejection of the use of force against Iraq.

He also said he expected the Russian parliament to ratify the second Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty next year.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service