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Iraq: Putin Says New UN Resolution Unnecessary


Moscow, 26 September 2002 (RFE/RL) -- In Moscow today, Russian President Vladimir Putin said there is no need for new United Nations resolutions on Iraq. Putin said Russia favors a rapid, political resolution to the Iraqi crisis but on the basis of existing United Nations Security Council resolutions. "Russian-Iraqi relations have a long history. We stand for the promptest settlement of the situation regarding this country through political and diplomatic methods, on the basis of existing UN Security Council resolutions, and in strict compliance with the principles and norms of international law. The decision to resume the activity of international inspectors in this country opens new opportunities for that," Putin said.

In China, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue said the government is studying the dossier released by Britain's government on 24 September that gives details on Iraq's alleged development of weapons of mass destruction.

China has called for the speedy return of weapons inspectors to Iraq.

Meanwhile, Iraq is sending some of its top diplomats abroad to court support against any Western-led attack. Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz plans to travel to Turkey on 28 September, while Iraqi foreign Minister Naji Sabri is due in Tehran the following day to meet with Iranian officials.

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