Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=03/17/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE= RUSSIA-IRAQ (S)

NUMBER=2-300775

BYLINE= LISA MCADAMS

DATELINE= MOSCOW

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Russia appears unmoved by the call by the United States, Britain and Spain for a Monday deadline for United Nation's action on Iraq. VOA's Lisa McAdams in Moscow has details.

TEXT: Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister, Yuri Fedotov, says the compromise draft on Iraq -- supported by the three leaders who met in the Azores on Sunday has, in his words, "no chance" of winning U-N Security Council approval.

Mr. Fedotov says Russia still believes continued international weapons inspections are the best option for disarming Iraq, and that no new resolution is needed. He said Russia hopes the dispute over how to proceed can be solved through consultations in the Security Council.

It was Russia's first official comment on Iraq since Sunday's one-day emergency Summit in the Azores. There, leaders of the United States, Britain and Spain set Monday as the deadline for diplomatic action on Iraq.

Russia and France have led the opposition to the draft resolution, believing it contains unachievable ultimatums and an automatic authorization for war. (Signed)

NEB/LAM/AWP