"Russia is not planning to send a military contingent to Iraq but, if the legitimate government of Iraq applies with a corresponding request, it will be considered," Lavrov told a press conference in Moscow. He voiced the doubt that an answer to such a request can be positive.
"I have strong doubts that that the security situation in Iraq can change so much that a positive decision will be taken regarding the request," Lavrov said. He noted that after June 30 (the date of passing power to the legitimate government of Iraq) everything in Iraq is to be done "only with the government's consent." The Russian foreign minister voiced the hope that the government-forming process in Iraq will be "transparent, open so that the government is legitimate not only in the eyes of the Iraqis but also the entire international community." "The preservation of the multinational forces in Iraq, their make-up should be determined only with the consent of the legitimate government of Iraq," Lavrov said.
