Putin backs Palestinian self-determination

The president of Russia, Vladimir Putin, has assured the Palestinian leader, Yasser Arafat, of Moscow's continuing support for the creation of an independent Palestinian state.

But he also urged caution in the timing of such a move, which Mr Arafat has said will go ahead next month.

The Russian Foreign Minister, Igor Ivanov, said all options had to be considered before the Palestinians declared statehood.

He called on Mr Arafat to first reach a peace agreement with the Israelis.

But, he said, the final decision was the prerogative of the Palestinians themselves.

Mr Arafat left Moscow for Finland soon after the end of his talks with Mr Putin.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service