State Duma to discuss Iraq situation

At its plenary session on Wednesday, the State Duma (the lower house of parliament) intends to discuss the situation surrounding Iraq and to consider the draft resolution "In Connection with the Situation Concerning Iraq."

The consideration of the draft resolution was initiated by a group of deputies from different factions. The document says that the threat of a military operation by the United States against Iraq with the aim of changing the leadership in that state causes a well-founded concern of the entire world community.

The draft resolution also points out that "The State Duma regards as an important step the decision of the Iraqi leadership to accept the inspectors of the UN mission without any conditions."

In the opinion of the deputies, "the only reasonable way out of the current situation is to continue the political dialogue with the Iraqi leadership with the aim of fulfilling the UN resolutions, normalising the situation concerning Iraq, stopping its economic blockade and ensuring normal conditions for the life of the citizens of that state."

Supporting the position of Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Russian government with regard to the situation surrounding Iraq, the document underscores, the State Duma also calls upon the world community to take all the necessary measures to prevent further escalation of tension in the Middle East and the threat of a new war.