WASHINGTON. Sept 8: President Bill Clinton discussed Middle East developments and the situation in Bosnia during a telephone conversation on Tuesday with Russian President Boris Yeltsin, the White House said, reports Reuter.

Clinton spoke with the Russian leader for about 40 minutes on several bilateral foreign policy Issues. White House spokeswoman Dee Dee Myers said In a statement.

"President Clinton reiterated strong U.S support for Russian political and market reform and the work of President Yeltsin and the Russian government to keep those reforms on track," Myers said.

The two leaders discussed peace talks between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organisation and pledged to work together to promote peace in the Middle East. Myers said.

They also discussed the Russian decision to withdraw troops from Lithuania, and Clinton affirmed U.S support for a “ rapid and complete withdrawal of forces from Latvia and Estonia." Myers said.

Myers said Yeltsin briefed Clinton on his recent trip to Ukraine, and Clinton affirmed U.S interest in working with the two parties tn resolving outstanding Issues concerning nuclear weapons' now deployed in Ukraine.

Clinton and Yeltsin also talked about efforts to promote peace in Bosnia. Myers said.

Bosnia and developments In the Middle East were also discussed on Tuesday In a telephone conversation between Clinton and German Chancellor Helmut Kohl. Myers said.

In a 40-minute telephone conversation. Clinton and Kohl also talked, about progress on Russian economic reforms and trade issues Including pending negotiations under the General Agreement for Tariffs and Trade, Myers said.