Russia ready to assist Poland with its activities in Iraq

Russia is ready to assist Poland with its activities in Iraq, Secretary of the Russian Security Council Vladimir Rushailo said in Warsaw Tuesday following his negotiations with Polish President Aleksander Kwasniewski.

Moscow has not changed its standpoint and still considers the war in Iraq a mistake, the Russian official said. However, Russia is ready to help Poland "restrict the inevitable losses among the military contingent," Rushailo said. According to him, Russia is ready to share its experience gained in Chechnya and Afghanistan with Poland.

"It is a completely new initiative, at the stage of elaboration," said Marek Siwiec, head of the National Security Bureau. "Iraq knows well various Russian structures, therefore their experience could be very useful for us," he said. According to the Polish official, Russia could provide Poland with its analysis of the situation in Iraq at the current stage.