Iraq to be priority during Russia's presidency in UN Security Council

Realisation of Resolution 1483 and development of a co-ordinated standpoint concerning suppression of Iraqi programmes on weapons of mass destruction will be priorities during Russia's term of presidency in the UN Security Council, which is due to start in June, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Yuri Fedotov has announced.

According to him, Russia "intends to intensify the Council's work to fulfil Resolution 1483 on Iraq, with the UN playing a significant role in Iraq's post-war settlement.

Fedotov pointed out that Russia "would encourage Security Council members' finding a co-ordinated approach towards suppression of Iraqi programmes on mass destruction weapons on the basis of UNMOVIC and IAEA certification.

Work of the UN Security Council' Counter-terrorist Committee, support of intermediary efforts in adopting "the road map" for peaceful settlement in the Middle East will also be among priorities during Russia's presidency in the UN Security Council, the Deputy Minister stated. According to Fedotov, Russia will also focus on the Afghan and Kosovo crises, African problems and Cyprus settlement.