Russian Ministers Urge Return of U.N. Inspectors to Iraq

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Sunday, September 08, 2002

Russian Ministers Urge Return of U.N. Inspectors to Iraq

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov on Saturday called for a quick return of U.N. weapons inspectors to Iraq so that they could clarify whether the country produces weapons of mass destruction.

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Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov on Saturday called for a quick return of U.N. weapons inspectors to Iraq so that they could clarify whether the country produces weapons of mass destruction.

"First of all, international inspectors must be sent to Baghdadquickly and without any preconditions," Ivanov told a news briefing in Moscow. "Once there, they will be able to give a clear answer whether Iraq develops weapons of mass destruction."

Most countries of the world share Russia's view, he stressed.

Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov added voice to the Defense Minister by urging the UN Security Council to clarify the mandate of the international inspecting mission in Iraq.

A decision on lifting the sanctions against Iraq might be reached after the monitors make a conclusion on the results of their inspection, said the foreign minister on Saturday.

In keeping with its relevant resolutions, the UN Security Council should clearly define the international inspectors' mandate and set a deadline for their work, he said.

Russia, along with France and China, has firmly opposed a U.S. military attack against Iraq. It has also strongly pushed Baghdad to allow U.N. weapons monitors back to avert a U.S. strike.

President Vladimir Putin spoke to U.S. President George W. Bushand British Prime Minister Tony Blair on Friday, reiterating his opposition to using force against Iraq.

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