Russia is prepared to consider proposals on sending peacekeepers to Iraq under a UN mandate, Deputy Foreign Minister Yuri Fedotov said Tuesday.

He made the comment ahead of a UN Security Council session that will hear on Tuesday a briefing by UN Special Representative Sergio de Mello on the world body's efforts in helping rebuild war-battered Iraq.

"If proposals concerning military or security issues are raised, Russia will be prepared to study them and hold consultations within the UN Security Council," Interfax quoted Fedotov as saying.

De Mello will present at the meeting a 23-page report submitted by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan to the council last Friday.

The report contains important recommendations on the expansion of UN's role in post-war Iraq, Fedotov said.

"It has been proposed that a UN assistance mission for Iraq be set up to deal with the entire range of problems related to aiding Iraq to restore peaceful life and the nation's sovereignty as soon as possible," said Fedotov, who is responsible for Iraq issues.

It involves establishing civil institutions, carrying out constitutional reforms and preparing for and holding elections in Iraq, the official noted.

"At all of these stages, the UN, bearing in mind its experience in other hot spots could play an independent and active role, supporting internal processes in Iraq aimed at putting together a new leadership in that country," he said.

Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov expressed his hope earlier Tuesday that the UN Security Council meeting would be helpful in determining what urgent measures should be taken to stop the deteriorating situation in Iraq.

The worsening situation in Iraq should be stopped, which can be done only by combining the efforts of legitimate representatives of the Iraqi people and the international community, Ivanov said.

Russia, a steadfast opponent to the US-led war in Iraq, has been calling for a bigger UN role in Iraq's reconstruction.

(Xinhua News Agency July 23, 2003)