U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell discussed the controversy involving the Yukos oil company with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, a department spokesman said Tuesday. Powell called Lavrov on Tuesday, according to spokesman Adam Ereli. “We're following it carefully and … developments in the case … have an impact on investment, and it's important that the rule of law and due process be preserved,” the spokesman said during a press briefing. Powell also discussed with Lavrov the violence taking place in the former Soviet republic of Georgia, according to Ereli. “We're both working with the parties to promote a dialogue and a peaceful resolution of the issues in South Ossetia,” he said.. -- SPA 2210 Local Time 1910 GMT
