Iraq: Mounting terror alarms Russia

Russia shares the alarm of many Muslim countries as terrorism is mounting in Iraq, spearheaded against international offices, legations, humanitarian missions and civilian projects, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says in a statement circulated today.

The document expresses support of a statement made by a Damascus conference of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of countries bordering on Iraq. The conferees call the United Nations to offer its aegis to a general election in Iraq, and its constitution drafting. A joint statement to sum up the conference also highlights Iraqis' right to independently determine their future political arrangements, and expresses support of the Iraqi provisional authority as it seeks to normalise the situation in the country.

Moscow greets that stance, which coincides in many points with Russian opinion on the ways and means to overcome the Iraqi crisis, says the ministry.

As Moscow sees it, regular convocation of similar conferences can spectacularly contribute to international efforts for Iraqi settlement.