Moscow calls for cooperation with U.S. on Iraq's stabilization

The politics of multilateral mechanisms do not infringe upon United States' interests, Igor Ivanov, Russian minister of foreign affairs, reported.

"There is no anti-Americanism in it," Ivanov said. Today there is "a tough internal confrontation [in Washington] between the supporters of a one-sided foreign policy and those who understand that even the United States, a country that can afford a $400 billion per year military budget, is not capable of solving all of the nascent problems alone," he continued. "Iraq was vivid proof of that. I think the supporters of unilateral actions follow the 'Cold War' philosophy. As a result, it complicated United States' relationship even with its close allies."

Ivanov said that there is a strong need for a fast resolution to the current situation in Iraq.

"The longer the regulation process takes," Ivanov said, "the harder it will be to accomplish it. If nothing changes in Iraq, it can become a breeding ground of international terrorism, like Afghanistan."

The Russian foreign minister outlined a need for joint efforts between Russia and the United States in the process of Iraq's stabilization. "But it will be impossible without an understanding from the United States," he said.

"I am certain that if Washington was more clear on its position, many countries other than Russia will be willing to participate in the stabilization process more actively," Ivanov said.