Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=03/04/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE= BRITAIN / RUSSIA IRAQ (L-O)

NUMBER=2-300316

BYLINE= TOM RIVERS

DATELINE=LONDON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Permanent U-N Security Council members Britain and Russia remain split over the Iraq crisis. Tom Rivers reports on Tuesday's meeting between Britain's Foreign Secretary Jack Straw and his Russian counterpart, Igor Ivanov, in London.

TEXT: In diplomatic language, Mr. Straw and Mr. Ivanov agreed that they share the same objective in Iraq disarmament of Saddam Hussein. But on the strategy of how to reach that goal, they remain opposed.

The two men said in a news conference after their talks that the subject of a second Security Council resolution did not even come up.

That draft resolution is sponsored by the United States, Britain and Spain and it could be used as a final authorization for the use of military force.

Earlier, Mr. Straw told the Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee that Britain reserved the right to go to war under certain conditions even if the second resolution were to be vetoed.

Speaking through an interpreter, Mr. Ivanov said this was not part of U-N resolution 14-41, the latest international directive to Iraqi to disarm.

/// IVANOV INTERPRETER ACT ///

We made it clear, interpretative statement, saying that it does not contain any provisions authorizing automatic use of force.

/// END ACT ///

The Russian foreign minister says his country is still not ruling out the use of its veto on the key second resolution that could come up for a vote next week. Asked about a possible abstention, Mr. Ivanov said that does not seem likely right now.

/// IVANOV 2nd INTERPRETER ACT ///

There are certain issues when it is desirable that there will be no abstainees among the Security Council members, permanent members, because those are serious issues.

/// END ACT ///

Mr. Ivanov says he believes the weapons inspectors' report due at the Security Council at the end of this week will provide for a timetable for continued inspections. On the basis of that, he says, Russia will demand that the inspectors keep working. (Signed)

NEB/TR/MAR