Russian diplomat: British proposal unacceptable
A senior Russian diplomat today criticised Britain’s six-point proposal for disarming Iraq, saying it was “not constructive”.
Deputy Foreign Minister Yuri Fedotov’s comments came as the US hinted it might abandon trying to get UN backing for a second resolution that would pave the way for military action.
“The British proposal on Iraq is not constructive and does not solve the main problem: the prevention of a plan to use force with regard to Baghdad,” he said.
Fedotov said it was possible that the measure would not come up for a vote.
The discussion of the British proposal – which sets out a series of tests that Iraq must meet – “confirmed that the majority of the members of the Security Council are against them,” he added.
He said the British proposals had the characteristics of an ultimatum.
Russia has consistently said it would vote against any UN measure that would automatically pave the way for war against Iraq.
“The position of Russia remains unchanged,” Fedotov said. “We will not allow any resolution based upon ultimatums and that opens the path to the use of force with regard to Iraq.”
He added that “Russia’s position does not exclude the possibility of the use of the right of veto in the UN Security Council.”
Asked about rumours that Russia was trying to get Saddam Hussein to step down voluntarily, Fedotov said: "Russia is not engaged in trying to persuade Saddam Hussein to resign.”
Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev yesterday suggested Saddam should resign as a way to prevent war.
