Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=1/21/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=RUSSIA / IRAQ (S-O)

NUMBER=2-298623

BYLINE=BILL GASPERINI

DATELINE=MOSCOW

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Russia's Foreign Minister says there is more diplomatic work to do before military action against Iraq should be contemplated. Bill Gasperini reports from Moscow that the foreign minister also warned against any single country taking the matter into its own hands.

TEXT: Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov says Russia remains firmly opposed to military action and that the potential for a political solution is "far from exhausted."

Mr. Ivanov echoed earlier statements he and other Russian officials have made, saying that "a military solution must only be a last resort."

The top Russian diplomat also said Iraq has shown its willingness to cooperate with U-N inspectors searching for weapons of mass destruction and that they need more time to complete their job.

Mr. Ivanov says action by the United States and Britain without U-N Security Council approval would seriously jeopardize the unity of the global anti-terror coalition.

Russia, France, and China have indicated they are not prepared to endorse military action against Iraq. (SIGNED)

NEB/BG/AWP/RAE/FC