At a Buckingham Palace state banquet in honour of
Russia's President Vladimir Putin, British Queen Elizabeth II
said the death of six British soldiers near Basra was a
reminder of the difficulties still to be faced in Iraq.



In her banquet speech, the Queen sought to heal the
rift with Russia and President Putin who had opposed military
action by Britain and America in Iraq.

Britain and Russia were now able to work together with
Iraq under the banner of the United Nations, she said.

"Mr President, it is I believe a sign of genuine
friendship that we are able to have disagreements, but remain
firm partners," the Queen said.

"It is no secret that there were significant differences
between our two countries earlier this year on how best to
handle Iraq.

"But we are now able to look forward together, firmly in
agreement on the route we have decided in the United Nations,
although the tragic loss of British lives today reminds us all
of the difficulties to be faced. But, as we look ahead, we
know that our long-term partnership is of profound importance
to both of us."
The Queen told her VIP Russian guest: "My message to you,
Mr President, is therefore one of admiration, respect and
support."
Tuesday (June 24) evening's white-tie banquet came at the
end of the opening day of the first state visit by a Russian
leader since 1874 when Tsar Alexander II came to Britain.

Some 170 people attended the state banquet, including
Britain's astronaut Helen Sharman.

Senior Royals attending, with the Queen and Prince Philip,
were the Prince of Wales, the Duke of York, the Princess
Royal, the Duke of Gloucester and the Duke of Kent.

Guests at the banquet, held in the Palace Ballroom, were
served truffles, poached salmon, baby chicken in champagne and
a cherry liqueur dessert, plus a selection of five wines.

The banquet china was 18th-century Sevres plates and a
Tournai service. Cutlery was by Paul Storr of Rundle Bridge
and Rundle made for George IV. Table glass was fluted
Stourbridge English cut crystal, made for the Queen's
Coronation in 1953 and hand-engraved with the cypher "E II R".

A military orchestra of the Welsh Guards, perched in the
Musicians' Gallery overlooking the Ballroom, played a
programme of music, including some of a Russian flavour -
Shostakovich, Prokofieff and Kabalevsky - as well as a Best
of the Beatles medley.