UN Condemns Killing Of Russians In Iraq

Iraqi security forces at the site of the Russian Embassy employees' abduction on June 3 (epa) June 29, 2006 -- The UN Security Council today condemned the killing of four Russian diplomats in Iraq.

The statement was agreed only after the removal of a section that called on the U.S.-led force in Iraq to improve the level of security provided to foreign envoys.

The United States and Britain had blocked a planned June 28 vote on a Russian draft statement on the killings, arguing the text amounts to an attack on the international coalition in Iraq.

Unanimous council approval was required for the statement to be issued.

In the approved declaration, the UN body "underlines" the importance of the continuing efforts of the Iraqi government and the multinational force to combat terrorism and improve security in Iraq.

(Reuters, AP)