Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov repeated today that Moscow would veto a UN Security Council resolution authorising force against Iraq.
At a press conference with his Iranian counterpart Mr Kamal Kharazi, Mr Ivanov said: "We invite the USA to opt for a political solution, and this is doable". He warned a war would have adverse consequences for the whole region.
"Most countries would like the issue to be solved by political means," he said. "All the conditions are set for Iraqi disarmament to take place as soon as possible through political means".
Mr Ivanov also said Russia was against US efforts to oust Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, saying that no UN resolution had asked for a regime change in Baghdad.
Mr Ivanov had already said yesterday that Russia would use its veto as a Security Council permanent member to block a new resolution backed by the United States, Britain and Spain, giving Iraq until March 17th to disarm or face a war.
French President Mr Jacques Chirac gave similar notice later that day. Opponents of a war say UN inspectors should be given more time to do their job.
US President George W. Bush, backed by British Prime Minister Tony Blair, has threatened to invade Iraq with thousands of troops already massed in Kuwait even if the Security Council refuses its support.
AFP