Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=10/15/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=RUSSIA/IRAQ

NUMBER=2-308613

BYLINE=MELANIE SULLY

DATELINE=VIENNA

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Russia has denied reports in American newspapers that it is willing to accept a U-N resolution that would retain U-S authority over Iraq's political future. Melanie Sully reports from Vienna.

TEXT: Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov told reporters in Vienna that Moscow's position on Iraq has not changed. Mr. Ivanov said Russia was opposed to war from the beginning and this position was the correct one.

The foreign minister also denied reports in the Washington Post suggesting that France, Germany, and Russia are no longer insisting the United Nations play a key role in rebuilding Iraq.

The article said the three powers had dropped demands for the United States to yield power to a provisional Iraqi government in the coming months.

Mr. Ivanov said he could not say what the sources were for these reports, but they are not Russian.

/// IVANOV ACT IN RUSSIAN; EST. UNDER AND OUT ///

He says Russia wants sovereignty transferred as soon as possible to the Iraqi people and sees a main role for the United Nations.

Russia, France, and Germany want the U-N Security Council to support an amendment to a resolution on Iraq that would include these points. Mr. Ivanov said he hoped for unified support from the world community.

The foreign minister declined to say whether Russia would use its veto power on the Security Council, but said that a resolution could only be effective if supported by all. Russia is one of five member countries on the Security Council with a veto power. (SIGNED)

NEB/MS/MAR/RAE