Putin warns of "chaos" if unilateralism becomes the norm in international

Putin warns of "chaos" if unilateralism becomes the norm in international relations

KUALA LUMPUR - Russian President Vladimir Putin warned of "chaos and catastrophe" if unilateral action in international relations becomes a norm, and said differences over Iraq were the exception to his country's generally good relations with the United States.

Putin, in an interview with a Malaysian newspaper published Tuesday, defended the United Nations and said Russia strongly supports "the strengthening of international organizations in dealing with peacekeeping and upholding international law."

"If unilateralism becomes the norm of international life it will lead to chaos and catastrophe," Putin was quoted as saying by The New Straits Times.

"We believe that the role of the U.N. in settling the situation in Iraq should move to a higher level," Putin, who opposed the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, was quoted as saying.

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