Russia's President Vladimir Putin has begun talks at Camp David with his American counterpart George W. Bush which are likely to focus on Iraq and Iran. Bush needs Russian support for a new United Nations resolution on Iraq, authorising a multinational force and establishing a path to self-rule. America foresees a lengthy period of US control in Iraq. France, another UN Security Council member, wants a more rapid transfer of sovereignty, while Russia appears more flexible. Iran's nuclear ambitions are also under scrutiny. Bush has pressured Putin to stop Russian assistance to the Islamic Republic's atomic programme, though Putin says western firms are also working on it. **PHOTO CAPTION*** George W. Bush hugs Vladimir Putin as upon his arrival at the Camp David Presidential retreat in Maryland, September 26, 2003. (Jason Reed/Reuters)