The G8 nations also said on Tuesday they were deeply concerned that a steep rise in global food prices was threatening food security, which could push millions more people back into poverty. The group also called for countries with sufficient food stocks to make available a part of their surplus for countries in need, in times of significantly increasing prices and in a way not to distort trade. The summit partners appeared close to a deal for using international food reserves to help the poorest countries cope with soaring grain prices.

The G8 also agreed to seek UN sanctions against Zimbabwe, according to Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. The need and the urgency was indicated for sanctions at the UN Security Council, Berlusconi said. “Given that even Russia decided to go ahead, it seemed to me important to join in, voting unanimously.” said Berlusconi.

Meanwhile, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said on Tuesday that his first meeting with President Bush since taking office brought no progress toward bridging deep disagreements between the former Cold War foes.

Deeply wary of creeping Western clout in former Soviet republics and satellite states, Russia adamantly opposes the Bush administration’s plans to deploy missile defense installations in Central Europe and its support for bids by Georgia and Ukraine to join NATO.

Medvedev said on Tuesday that some of the countries’ interests coincide.

On their differences, however, “there is no particular progress,” he said, following Monday’s meeting on the sidelines of the Group of Eight economic powers summit. “We continue to exchange opinions.”