Moscow: Irked over Russia's decision to block a UN Security Council resolution
authorising use of military force against Iraq, the United States has warned that
Moscow's stand may jeopardise its bid to join the World Trade Organisation.
"Russia also risks having to endure the continued humiliation of Soviet-era US trade
restrictions and being locked out of a post-Saddam Hussein Iraq," 'The Moscow Times'
quoted a senior US diplomat as saying.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the chances of a "yes" vote
from Russia now appeared to be "pretty slim" and though "we wouldn't want to hold the
relationship hostage [to Iraq] any more than Russia, our ability to move forward on
some issues -- on WTO accession-- could be affected at least in the short
term".
"I think they understand there could be negative consequences of a veto with respect
to Russia's interests [in Iraq]," he added.
The statement comes a day after a joint statement signed by Russian, French and
German foreign ministers whereby the three nations had declared that they would "not
allow" a UN resolution authorising the use of force against Iraq.
According to the 'Moscow Times', the US reaction "reflects Washington's frustration
with Russia's strengthening alliance with France and Germany".
"The warning was clearly aimed at putting pressure on Russia to cool down the
alliance building that could endanger the passage of a UN resolution and to step back
from threats to torpedo the vote, said the paper.
PTI
