(5 Jun 2000) Natural Sound
Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Rome on Monday afternoon making his first visit to the West since his inauguration as President in May.
Putin's first stop was with Italian Prime Minister Giuliano Amato where he was confronted by dozens of demonstrators with banners urging for peace in Chechnya.
Later on Monday, Putin will meet the Pope John Paul II before dining with Italy's President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi.
Noisy protesters calling for peace in Chechnya greeted Russian President Putin in Rome on Monday.
Carrying banners, the demonstrators flanked the Palazzo Chigi as Putin arrived for talks with Italian Prime Minister Giuliano Amato.
Putin is making a two day trip to Rome and Milan for talks with Italian business and political leaders overseeing deals Russia hopes will bring it (b) billions of U-S dollars.
His visit to Italy follows talks in Moscow with U-S President Bill Clinton.
Italy is Russia's third largest trade partner (its second largest in Europe) and Putin wants to reassure Italians that following his election as president, Russia will be more stable and investment will be safe.
Later on Monday Putin will meet Pope John Paul II at the Vatican where a possible Papal trip to Russia will be on the agenda.
Putin's first day in Rome will round off with dinner with Italy's President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi.
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