Russia will not be drawn into confrontations in 2008 : Lavrov

Moscow, Dec 30 (UNI) Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said the country will pursue a constructive foreign policy and not be drawn into any confrontations in 2008.

''Whatever the situation, Russia won't be involved in any new confrontations, and will carry out a united foreign policy and promote constructive alternatives to resolve current problems,'' RIA Novosti news agency quoted him as saying about plans and expectations of his Ministry in the New Year.

He said Russia was ready to interact with all partners on an equal basis and in the interests of joint task resolution.

Mr Lavrov also said Russia intends to continue settling urgent international problems together with the UN.

However, he did not rule out ''failures in world politics'' caused by ''unilateral steps by some countries or associations of states, or their attempts to act beyond the framework of international law.'' UNI