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A senior Russian diplomat on Thursday ruled out the possibility of Russia joining the United States-led coalition forces in Iraq, but hinted at possible participation in Iraq peacekeeping mission under the United Nations (UN) flag.
"As for creating a new format for international involvement in ensuring security in Iraq under the UN's auspices and the UN Security Council's mandate, Russia's decision on its contribution will depend on the future situation in the country," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Yuri Fedotov was quoted by Interfax as saying.
"We do not exclude the adoption of another resolution of the UN Security Council broadening the UN's participation in Iraqi affairs," Fedotov noted.
He also invited members of the Iraqi Governing Council to attend the UN Security Council session scheduled for July 22.
Fedotov made the remarks in response to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, who said Wednesday in New York that there were discussions going on over expanding the UN mandate in Iraq to help stabilize the security there.
Iraq has been under the administration of the United States and its junior partner Britain since the downfall of the Iraqi government of President Saddam Hussein. Washington has called on the international community to send troops to help police the chaotic post-war country.
Russia, a main opponent to the US-led war against Iraq, has repeatedly called for a stronger UN role in the settlement of Iraqi crisis.
(Xinhua News Agency July 18, 2003)
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