Iraq to Further Develop Ties With Russia: SaddamIraqi President Saddam Hussein Wednesday voiced his desire to further develop ties between Iraq and Russia in all areas, especially in the economic and trade domains.The Iraqi leader made the remarks while meeting a Russian envoy, who handed over Saddam a letter from Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Iraqi News Agency (INA) reported. The message deals with the bilateral ties and Russia's desire to develop the cooperative ties in all fields and reaffirms Russia's stance on the U.S.-British proposed "smart sanctions" against Iraq. Saddam spoke highly of Moscow's opposition to the U.S.-British bill, saying that the Russian stance enhanced its status in the international community and its role in striking a balance in the world order. Informed sources said Iraq has decided to grant Russia contracts valued at 10 billion U.S. dollars in appreciation for its role in foiling the "smart sanctions" aimed at easing Iraq's import on civilian goods while tightening controls on military-related materials. Early this month, the U.N. Security Council decided to indefinitely put off a vote on the "smart sanctions," given that Russia threatened to veto the plan, and to extend the U.N. oil-for- food program for 150 days. Iraq has been under the U.N. sanctions ever since its invasion of Kuwait in 1990. |
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