Ivanov: UN Inspectors in Iraq Must Continue Their Work

Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov announced at a joint press conference on Tuesday with Secretary-General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, Dr. Abdelouahed Belkeziz, that UN international inspectors had to continue their work in Iraq.

According to Ivanov, Russia was proceeding from the basis that cooperation had to be expanded within the frameworks of various international organizations so that a political solution to the Iraqi problem could be found. The minister also stressed that there was still potential for this to be achieved.

Ivanov said that the recent reports issued by the UN international inspectors showed a fairly clear picture of the development of the situation in Iraq. However, he added that the Iraqi leadership had to observe completely all the latest recommendations from the United Nations.