Russia Says No to Talks on Future of Iraq Without Saddam

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Tuesday, December 03, 2002

Russia Says No to Talks on Future of Iraq Without Saddam

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Yuri Fedotov on Monday denied that Russia would take part in any international conference on "the future of Iraq without Saddam Hussein."

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Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Yuri Fedotov on Monday denied that Russia would take part in any international conference on "the future of Iraq without Saddam Hussein."

"Some may try to convene a conference of the sort, but it has nothing to do with us," Fedotov was quoted by the Interfax news agency as saying.

The Russian press reported earlier that an international conference would take place in London on December 13-15, and representatives of the Iraqi opposition, emissaries of Arab and European countries, and diplomats from permanent members of the UNSecurity Council would discuss the future of Iraq without Saddam Hussein.

"No one has invited us to such a conference, and the question of our presence is not being discussed," said Fedotov, Russia's main spokesman on Iraq.

Fedotov also expressed surprise at foreign press reports alleging that international inspectors had been accused of connivance with Baghdad, in particular of giving preliminary information about places they intended to visit despite UN Security Council Resolution 1441 stipulating surprise visits.

"Russia estimates the progress of inspections as generally positive. Iraq cooperates with the inspectors, and we do not see any problems so far," Fedotov noted.

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