Israel may have other aims than saving hostages - Putin

STRELNA (near St. Petersburg), July 16 (RIA Novosti-Israel may be pursuing other aims in Lebanon than saving two soldiers taken hostage, Russian President Vladimir Putin said early Sunday morning.

"We condemn any terrorist attacks, including kidnappings," he told a briefing after the first day of the G8 summit. "But there is the impression that Israel is pursuing other, broader aims other than returning the abducted servicemen."

The president also said he thought there were still ways to resolve the conflict that had not been used and he urged every effort to be made.

The leaders of Italy, Germany, France, Canada, Japan and the United Kingdom joined Putin near St. Petersburg today. U.S. leader George Bush arrived for bilateral talks Friday.