Russia will veto new resolution
2003-03-10 16:04
Moscow - Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov said on Monday Moscow would veto a US-British resolution before the UN security council authorising the use of force against Iraq.
If such a plan is presented before the UN security council, "then Russia will use its vote against the resolution," Ivanov said.
It was the first direct reference to a veto by the Russian foreign minister, who had earlier vowed Russia would block the move.
"We did not hear any serious arguments in favour of a military solution to the Iraqi problem in the course of the preceding session of the UN security council," held on Friday, Ivanov said.
"Russia believes that there is no need for any additional UN security council resolutions," Ivanov told reporters before his trip on Monday to Iran.
Unattainable demands
"And that is why Russia has openly stated that if the draft resolution, which has now been tabled, and which includes unattainable ultimatums and demands, will in the end be put to a vote, then Russia will use its vote against the resolution," said Ivanov.
Ivanov also warned Washington's efforts to topple Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and impose a US-based system of democracy on the country were "doomed to failure."
"The attempts to export democracy, especially to countries with cultures that have survived through the centuries, is doomed to failure," ITAR-TASS quoted Ivanov as saying.
"We need to defend international rights and common values, but forcing democracy - and a single model of the
world - is impossible," Ivanov said.
Russia's foreign ministry has made a series of tough pronouncements about the new resolution, although analysts have suggested President Vladimir Putin may decide not to use the veto in deference to his new friendship with the United States.
Separately, a Kremlin press spokesperson refused to comment on a Time magazine report that Putin had privately promised US President George W Bush that Moscow would not veto the resolution, which sets a March 17 deadline for Iraq to disarm or face military action.