The Russian Foreign Ministry's spokesman Alexander Yakovenko denied some mass-media reports to the effect that Moscow and Washington were allegedly negotiating the transfer of Russian servicemen to Iraq in exchange for certain economic concessions earlier today.
Talking to RIA Novosti, the afore-said committee's chairman Victor Ozerov noted that the Federation Council was supposed to decide on using the Russian Armed Forces elsewhere in line with articles 1-2 of this country's Constitution. The head of state must contact the Federation Council, so that it could examine this issue, Mr. Ozerov added.
The relevant appeal is first examined by the Federation Council's defense-and-security committee, Mr. Ozerov stressed. The committee drafts the appropriate resolution, which is then submitted to the upper parliament house's plenary session for consideration and discussed by all the senators, Mr. Ozerov went on to say.
The Federation Council endorses the President's proposal on using Russia's Armed Forces abroad by a simple majority, or at least 90 votes.
Once endorsed, the relevant resolution is submitted to the President, who issues a decree on using this country's Armed Forces abroad in line with this document, Ozerov said in conclusion.
