Moscow, 22 February 2003 (RFE/RL) -- Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Yurii Fedotov is quoted today as saying his country opposes any new UN resolution authorizing the use of force against Iraq. Fedotov was quoted by Ekho Moskvy radio as saying, "If a resolution is presented that authorizes the use of force at this stage, Russia could not support it."
Fedotov said if a new resolution is presented at the UN Security Council, Russia would study it. He declined to say if Russia would use its veto as a permanent member of the UN Security Council.
The U.S. and Britain are preparing a second resolution that could be used to authorize military action to force Iraq to disarm.
Fedotov said if a new resolution is presented at the UN Security Council, Russia would study it. He declined to say if Russia would use its veto as a permanent member of the UN Security Council.
The U.S. and Britain are preparing a second resolution that could be used to authorize military action to force Iraq to disarm.