No Need for New Resolution Authorizing Use of Force Against Iraq: Russian FM

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Saturday, February 08, 2003

No Need for New Resolution Authorizing Use of Force Against Iraq: Russian FM

Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov said on Friday that there is no need for a new UN resolution that would authorize the use of force against Iraq.

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Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov said on Friday that there is no need for a new UN resolution that would authorize the use of force against Iraq.

"We see today no reason for the UN Security Council to pass a resolution paving the way to using force against Iraq," Ivanov wasquoted by the Interfax news agency as saying at a press conference.

"The problem of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq can be resolved by political means," Ivanov said.

Moscow believes the use of force is an extreme resolve that would result in severe consequences for both the country involved and the entire world and, therefore, "it can be used only in exceptional cases," he said.

Russian opposition to a new UN resolution authorizing the use of force against Iraq came after US President George W. Bush said on Thursday that the United States would welcome a new UN resolution on Iraq that shows the world body's resolve to disarm Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.

Moscow has never ruled out passing one or several resolutions, Ivanov said. "What counts is the content and purpose of the resolution."

Russia wants international inspectors to continue their work inIraq, and Russia believes their mandate and power are sufficient for them to do the work, Ivanov said, adding Russia will consider new resolutions to support their work if the circumstance rises.

Earlier in the day, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Yuri Fedotov said any new UN Security Council resolution on Iraq would serve no useful purpose.

"What the UN Security Council will do about Iraq will depend onwhat UNMOVIC and IAEA chiefs Hans Blix and Mohamed ElBaradei will tell the council about their trip to Baghdad this weekend," Fedotov said.

Fedotov urged the Iraqi leadership to demonstrate a greater resolve to cooperate with international inspectors in implementingUN Security Council Resolution 1441 and other resolutions on Iraq.

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