Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=11/08/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-296254

TITLE=RUSSIA / U-N REACT (S ONLY)

BYLINE=REBECCA SANTANA

DATELINE=MOSCOW

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: A senior Russian official says the U-N resolution on Iraq approved by the Security Council is not perfect but it is acceptable. V-O-A's Rebecca Santana has more from Moscow.

TEXT: In comments reported by the Russian news agency Itar-Tass, Deputy Foreign Minister Yuri Fedotov said the wording of the new U-N resolution is not ideal but resulted from a "complicated compromise."

Mr. Fedotov said most importantly the "international community has prevented a real threat of war."

The deputy foreign minister said original drafts of the U-N resolution were unacceptable to Russia. He said Russia was able to support the final draft because a clause allowing for the automatic use of force against Iraq if it does not comply with U-N demands was removed.

The new resolution calls for serious consequences if Iraq does not comply with U-N demands for its disarmament. But the text does not specifically mention military action if Iraq does not comply with the resolution.

It had been feared that Russia might use its veto power in the U-N Security Council to block a resolution on Iraq. (Signed)

NEB/RS/KL/MAR