London: Despite pressures from the UK and the US, Russia may use its power of veto
in the UN Security Council to prevent a war in Iraq, Igor Ivanov, the Russian
Foreign Minister, indicated.
"The right of veto can be used by any permanent member of the Security Council
including Russia," Ivanov, who met his British counterpart Jack Straw here, told BBC
News Online on March 4 night.
He rejected speculation that Russia might stand aside by abstaining if the US and UK
press for a new Security Council resolution – expected next week – specifically
authorising force.
"If the situation demands, Russia will of course use its right to veto," Ivanov said.
"Abstaining is not a position Russia can take, we have to take a clear position and
we are for a political solution. Those who favour a military solution are making a
mistake."
However, at a joint press conference after their meeting, Ivanov and Straw glossed
over their deep difference over Iraq issue and emphasised that both countries have a
common goal - disarming Iraq.
While Straw said Russia and UK might be able to resolve "outstanding questions"
relating to disarmament of Iraq through if they maintained "intensive dialogue",
Ivanov also sounded a conciliatory note saying the "issue should not split the
international community".
Ivanov, who meets Prime Minister Tony Blair on March 5 before proceeding to
Paris, said constructive dialogue was continuing in the search for a solution.
He said he did not discuss with Straw the question of Russia using its veto at the
UN, but did discuss inter-related matters such as how to fight international
terrorism.
Earlier, Ivanov told the BBC he expected the chief UN weapons inspector, Hans Blix,
and the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Mohammed el Baradei, to make
a report this week that would provide a timetable for continued inspections.
"On the basis of their reports we will put forward further actions... We and others
will demand that inspectors continue their work on the basis of a specific plan and
specific dates," he said.
He felt that it was not "expedient" to put to a vote the draft resolution sponsored
by the US, the UK and Spain, which could be used as a final authorisation for war.
Together with France and Germany, Russia has co-sponsored a memorandum to the
Security Council envisaging the continuation of "enhanced" arms inspections in Iraq
at least until June.
Russia is one of five permanent members of the Security Council - along with the US,
the UK, France and China – which have the right of veto.
PTI
