MOSCOW, May 4 (RIA Novosti) - President Vladimir Putin congratulated Ibrahim al-Jaafari on his appointment as prime minister of the Iraqi provisional government.
According to the Kremlin press service, the president's message in particular reads:
"I wish you success in your work for the good of the Iraqi people, and in your efforts to ensure the [Iraqi people's] right to a decent life in peace and security as soon as possible.
"I would like to use this opportunity to confirm Russia's willingness to help restore the Iraqi economy, strengthen its sovereignty and stability, and express once again [Russia's] interest in further development of friendly relations between our countries."