Russian Defence Minister not satisfied with UN Draft Resolution on Iraq

Russian Defence Minister not satisfied with UN Draft Resolution on Iraq


REYKJAVIK, October 5, 2003. ((RIA Novosti special correspondent) - Russia wants the UN Security Council's resolution on Iraq "to clearly and transparently define the mandate for the UN peacekeeping forces," Russian Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov announced in Reykjavik, where he made a short stop on his way to Canada.

"We are not satisfied with the last resolution on Iraq, as we do not see there clauses that would demonstrate the mission's really peaceful nature, the desire of the world community, of many states and governments, Iraq's neighbours to provide on behalf of the UN assistance in restoring the country's destroyed infrastructure, its industry, communication, electricity and water supplying facilities, that is, everything necessary to efficiently restore peaceful life," Ivanov emphasized.

The main task to be solved is defining the mandate and ensuring its transparency, the Russian minister believes. "The mandate should allow many states, including neighbours, representing the world community to lend Iraq a helping hand so that Iraq's people understand that it is help, not an attempt to achieve their own local goal," he pointed out.

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