Russia's Position on Iraq Does Not Mean Its Relations with the US and England Will Break Off

Russia's tough position on the US and British actions in Iraq does not mean its relations with these countries will break off, Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov disclosed on Wednesday. "By criticising heavily Washington and London's actions in Iraq, Russia does not intend and will not disrupt its relations with these countries," he said while addressing the Parliament. In this regard, the US visit by Vice-Premier, Russian Minister of Agriculture Aleksei Gordeyev due in May will certainly take place, Ivanov said.

"If some disagreements impact on trade relations Russia will hardly suffer less losses than its partners," the Russian foreign minister stressed.

Moscow does not intend to keep Russo-American relations in direct connection with the Iraqi issue, Ivanov noted. "A priority today is to avoid confrontation," the minister said. According to him, confrontation will not meet Russian interests, for the country is interested "in constructive interaction and cooperation with its partners and the USA as well." The war, which is today raging in Iraq and the Middle East, must not be transformed into other wars, such as economic, informational, etc, the Russian foreign minister stressed.