Russia tells US to show caution in Gulf

Moscow, Mar 29 (UNI) Against the backdrop of the US naval manoeuvres in the Persian Gulf, Moscow today urged Washington not to further destabilise the situation there.

''The Persian Gulf is in such a confused state now that any steps in the region, especially involving naval forces, should be arranged so as to avoid undermining the situation in the region,'' Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told journalists after his talks with his Portuguese counterpart Luis Amado.

Mr Lavrov said Russia had called for holding consultations on the deployment of elements of the US anti-ballistic missile defence in the Czech Republic and Poland with the participation of as many parties as possible.

''The issue is so important for Europe that relevant consultations should be held in a broader format,'' Mr Lavrov said commenting on reports that US President George W Bush was ready to hold consultations with Russia on the issue.

UNI