WASHINGTON, March 4 (Xinhuanet) -- U.S. President George W. Bush on Saturday called his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, reiterating the need for the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) to renounce violence.

    During a talk lasting little more than 15 minutes from the cabin of Air Force One, Bush "reiterated the importance of the Quartet statement, which calls for Hamas to renounce violence, recognize Israel and disarm," White House spokesman Scott McClellan said.

    Bush and Putin also discussed Russia-Iran talks over Iran's nuclear program, McClellan said, but he declined to give any details. The call took place as Bush returned to Washington from Pakistan.

    Hamas' political leader, Khaled Mashaal, was visiting Moscow at Putin's invitation. He said that Hamas would not consider recognizing Israel, and expressed that Russia could be a major force in promoting Middle East stability.

    Russia also played host to the top Iranian nuclear negotiator this past week with a bid to persuade Tehran to end its uranium enrichment and instead rely on a joint enrichment facility with Russia. Enditem