RUSSIA: Russia scaled down its opposition to US plans for Iraq yesterday, saying a new UN resolution on rebuilding the nation could pass this week if it contained a framework for lifting sanctions and deploying peace-keepers there.
"I cannot rule out that we will reach an agreement this week that will allow us, through a UN resolution and the Security Council, to achieve conditions conducive to international co-operation on rebuilding Iraq," the Russian Foreign Minister, Mr Igor Ivanov, said.
While Mr Ivanov's comments confirmed Russia's keenness to avoid further conflict with Washington, he also had words of advice for the White House.
"It is vital to adopt a resolution reflecting the means for lifting sanctions as well as the issues concerning deployment of peace-keeping forces," he said on a visit to Ukraine.
He added that Moscow would consider sending troops to Iraq.
"Many states are now saying that they are ready to take part in this or that operation in Iraq, including peacekeeping missions, but this must be on the basis of a UN decision."
He also insisted that the US now knew that it needed the global community's help to rebuild Iraq.
"The United States is certainly strong enough to solve part of the problem; the military aspect. But then other problems arise, political and economic. The US understands that without the international community it cannot resolve the question of Iraq."