Grigory Yavlinsky: Russia Will Not Veto US Resolution on Iraq

In the next few days Russia will take 'unexpected steps' regarding the situation in Iraq, according to Grigory Yavlinsky, the leader of the Yabloko party. Yavlinsky made this prediction yesterday when speaking to students of the Moscow State Institute of International Relations. In all likelihood, the unexpected steps will see Russia refrain from using its UN Security Council veto against the resolution on Iraq proposed by the US, said Yavlinsky.

'The Russian leadership has recently begun to understand that vetoing this resolution would be counterproductive for Russia in all respects,' believes Yavlinsky. He expressed his certainty that the Russian President would soon take a decision to this effect.

According to Yavlinsky, Russia should not use its veto in the forthcoming vote under any circumstances. 'With this veto we would find ourselves completely alone and would destroy everything that has been achieved in international relations since September 11, 2001,' he stressed. The Yabloko leader said that preserving unity between Europe and America and unity within Europe itself were currently one of Russia's most important national interests. Yavlinsky believes that the Russia-Germany-France triangle is an illusion. 'Europe is married to the US, and they have children together. Of course, Europe may commit adultery with Russia, but by the evening everything will be back to normal and Russia will find itself on the sidelines again, like a discarded lover,' said Yavlinsky.