MOSCOW, Dec 7: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday expressed deep scepticism over plans to hold an elections in Iraq while foreign troops were still there.

"I honestly say that I cannot imagine how elections can be organized under a full occupation of the country by foreign troops," Mr Putin told Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi during a meeting at the Kremlin.

"I also cannot imagine how you on your own will be able to restore the situation in the country and stop it from breaking up." The comments were the strongest yet on the issue from Mr Putin, who strongly opposed last year's US-led invasion into Iraq to overthrow Saddam Hussein.

Russia had close economic ties with Iraq under Saddam, including many lucrative oil contracts which is seeks to resurrect. Mr Allawi told Mr Putin that Russia's pledge last month to write off 90 per cent of debt owed by Iraq would help ensure Russia would play a leading role in Iraq's reconstruction.

"That will undoubtedly help Russia play a leading role in the restoration of Iraq's economy and industry," he said, quoted by Inter fax, describing the debt write-off as the gesture of a "friendly state".

Iraq's parliamentary elections are scheduled to go ahead on Jan. 30 despite continuing bloodshed, and Mr Allawi has suggested that the poll could be staged over a two or three week period to ensure everyone gets the chance to vote. The new parliament will draft a permanent constitution to govern Iraq, which is currently being overseen by a US-backed interim government. -Reuters