in Russian resort Sochi, Aug 31, SPA -- A three-way meeting between RussianPresident Vladimir Putin, German Chancellor GerhardSchroeder and Jacques Chirac got underway Tuesday. International affairs such as the situation in Iraq,Afghanistan and the Middle East were expected to top theagenda, but the leaders also planned to devote time torelations between Russia and the European Union as well asissues involving energy cooperation. Russia is a majorsupplier of natural gas to Europe and a top exporter ofoil. The summit at Putin's residence in the Black Sea resort ofSochi had been delayed Monday after Chirac postponed hisarrival amid a crisis over the abduction of two Frenchjournalists in Iraq that continued Tuesday. Schroeder, who arrived in Sochi on Monday and had dinnerwith Putin, stood on the porch of Putin's residencechatting in German with the Russian leader as they awaitedfor Chirac Tuesday morning. After Chirac arrived, the three chatted in English infront of photographers before disappearing inside for aworking breakfast to be followed by formal negotiations,the Interfax news agency reported.--SPA1142 Local Time 0842 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/196664