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Russia, Iran foreign ministers discuss situation in Iraq

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Moscow, May 17, Itar-Tass/IRNA -- The situation in Iraq is the main 
topic of talks which started here between Russian Foreign Minister 
Sergei Lavrov and his Iranian counterpart, Dr. Kamal Kharrazi. 
The Iranian foreign minister arrived in the Russian capital on a 
two-day official visit Monday. 
The Russian Foreign Ministry, in a statement, said that it 
expects "a detailed conversation on Iraq, taking into account the 
coincidence of principled appraisals of the situation and ways of its 
settlement." 
Lavrov has just returned from a trip to the US, where he discussed
the Iraqi problem with the UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and G-8 
partners. 
According to the Russian minister, the date for the transfer of 
sovereignty to Iraqis, June 30, "is regarded by all as final." 
"Much work should be done to make this transfer real," the 
minister added. 
He noted that "not all political forces have so far established 
contacts with the U.N. secretary-general`s special representative, 
Lakhdar Brahimi, who hopes to complete his mission by the end of 
May." 
"A common accord is shaping up at the U.N. Security Council that 
says the future interim government should represent the main 
political and religious groups of Iraq. 
"It is clear that it should include both Shiites, Sunnis and 
Kurds," Lavrov continued. 
"At the same time, a suggestion was made to supplement the 
government with technocrats. 
"Secular and technical experts from among Iraqis will work till 
a general election is held in January 2005. 
"A new government should be really Iraqi and sovereign," Lavrov 
said. 
"It is clear, however, that it is hardly possible for it (Iraq`s 
future government) on its own to resolve the questions of ensuring 
security in Iraq." 
In the minister`s opinion, "multinational forces" will be 
necessary and will include troops of the U.S. and its allies in the 
coalition." 
"These forces will be possibly reinforced with contingents from o 
other (countries), for instance, Arab countries," the minister went on
to say. 
It is quite probable that Lavrov, in his talks with Kharrazi, 
will touch on the situation of hostages in Iraq. 
He regards as "sufficiently trustworthy" information that the 
abducted Russian citizens are alive there. 
"We take steps to establish contacts with direct masterminds of 
the abduction as well as those who now hold them captive," the 
minister assured. 
Efforts, he said, are continuing to establish contacts with all 
who can track down the kidnappers including coalition forces, 
the (Iraqi) interim council as well as political and religious 
organizations." 
/LS/210